Spirtokouto

"Spirtokouto" is a movie that is really hard to watch. From the very beginning till the very end, one can sympathize with the main character, who suffers diverse psychological deaths (as depicted by black-and-white stop shots).

"Spirtokouto" is the greek word for matchbox. People who resemble matches and only need some stimuli to be on fire.

Despite that it is a gripping movie from the very first scene, "Spirtokouto" is a bit excessive, as far as verbal violence is concerned. Also, the viewer can't figure out much about the characters' past, except perhaps for the part of Dimitris (Mitsos ;)) which is developed fairly well. Even so, the movie is more than a mere depiction of the miserable life of a Greek family which might very well exist.

The writers manage to discuss successfully several aspects of every day life in Greece and even discuss some social phenomena. While one cannot argue of course that what is presented is typical of a greek family, it might well be said that it is not a very distant reality for a part of the greek population.

Despite any disadvantages, the film a noticeably good try about society, it could be an example of realistic film-making that is definitely worth seeing. 7.5/10