Poliorkia

With films such as « The Siege » modern Greek History comes alive! It is the second historic costume drama directed by multi-talented Director/actor Vasilis Tsikaras touching themes from the Hellenic War of Independence. This film is a narrative of the siege of Dobra monastery in Greek Macedonia by the Turkish army where a handful of Greeks fought the enemy to their death, an allusion to the Battle of Thermopylae. The film begins with the wedding of two youth at the monastery right before the siege and their action thereafter. The plot is straightforward and easy to follow and the director focuses on the relationships among the different characters under the imminent threat of death. It is a film about faith and sacrifice, it brings alive the sacrificial spirit of that time, the spirit of true heroes to whom we Greeks owe our independence. The scene where the family decide together who will fight and who will flee is moving and real. The actors deliver a powerful performance, especially the vikar, and I was surprised to see some lesser-known quality Greek actors in such gripping roles. The whole movie is a lesson in modern history of Hellenic Macedonia delivered in truth and without bias. It is a must see for any lover of history! I totally recommend it for all learners of Greek as well!