Zorba the Greek

At the beginning something from the classic cinema - one of the most famous Greek films.

Zorba the Greek (Αλέξης Ζορμπάς) is a 1964 film based on the novel with the same title (Zorba the Greek) by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film was directed by Cypriot Michael Kakoyannis and the main character was played by Anthony Quinn. The supporting cast includes Alan Bates, Lila Kedrova, Irene Papas and Sotiris Moustakas.

 One of the most famous films in the history of cinema, winner of three Oscars (Supporting Actor, Design, Pictures).  It is a story of unbridled passion for life and an inspiration to others. Basil (Alan Bates) is a half-English, half-Greek writer, who goes to Crete to change something in his life and reestablish the old family mine. In Crete he meets Alexis Zorba (Anthony Quinn), an enthusiastic and eccentric Greek musician, whose will helps him to change his attitude towards life. Zorba the Greek is a film about freedom and the joy of life, and about putting this joy of every moment moment of ones life. After all, we cannot live without a little madness.                                                                                       

The main message of the film is best conveyed in the Alexis Zorba's own words:

For I realize today that it is a mortal sin to violate the great laws of nature. We should not hurry, we should not be impatient, but we should confidently obey the eternal rhythm.

Below you can find a link to a scene from the movie where Alexis Zorba and Basil are dancing the "Zorba's Dance":

The dance at the end of the movie is known as the "Zorba's Dance" (later called "Sirtaki") and was choreographed by Giorgios Provias. The music to the dance was composed by Mikis Thedorakis, and is based on two traditional Greek songs with the names "Armenohorianos Syrtos" and "Kritiko syrtaki". The composer, Mikis Thedorakis, was born on the island of Chios.