Attilas '74

As the great director Akira Kurosawa proved in "rashomon," there are many sides to one story. Sure this film by one of Greece's best directors ever has gripping moments, but the film is far from being objective. It should be noted that I am half-Turkish, but I still look forward to a well-balanced docu on the issues aflicting Cyprus. It is an issue everyone should exmaine, but I don't think this film does the job because of its' subjective stance.

Attila 74 is a great documentary in almost every manner that one comes to expect. First, it was filmed soon after the events, thus giving accurate testimony to the tragedy. Secondly, the film examines the complexity of the situation quite well. Though there is little interviewing of Turkish Cypriots, other than politicians, this is an effect of the military situation that existed in Cyprus at the time. Getting into the Turkish held northern portion of Cyprus was difficult. The movie also acknowledges that tragedies occur because of people on both sides. It does not blame one person/group alone, but instead accurately depicts the misconduct and horrors committed by both ethnicities.

Some people will say that the movie is biased, but those are the people that just disagree with accepting the harsh, cold and depressing truth of the history of this sad little island.

I found this film interesting because it documents very thoroughly the events of the 1974 war in Cyprus(and the occurrences leading up to it) in a very interesting light. It is very informative, though it be one-sided in its' information that it chooses to provide. However, its' side is represented well with the presentation of many facts and touching cinematic sequences, and shows a completeness in its' study and documentation of the war. It presents the reality of the situation and the problems that were faced by the people in Cyprus on a very human level, and it is the sort of film that you cannot easily forget.

Overall, if you enjoy historical or political films, and have any remote interest in the Mediterranean political situation, I would recommend it. Otherwise, one might not find the film to be particularly interesting or good, in spite of the beautiful shots of Cyprus and touching stories told by those caught in the tragedy.

I am not a Greek or Turk, I am a person who loves movies, and I loved Attila 74. The style of documentary film-making is fascinating and real. The film is blunt, to the point and devastating. It feels like you are there in the midst of war, suffer and grieve with the locals, you feel for their loss and suffering. The film connects with you no matter what nationality you are. It is almost impossible to judge history, since there are two sides to each tale, but a documentary like Attila 74, helps understand what went on or what went wrong. I felt it is an honest witness to the horrible events that shook the peaceful population of this great Island. Bravo Mr. Cacoyannis not only for your wonderful film, but for the courage to go there and record history. I recommend this movie with all my heart.

Viewing this powerful documentary caused me great sorrow knowing the events that caused the innocent people of Cyprus such loss and anguish and continues to do so. Personally I feel shame as I was a marine stationed aboard a ship in the U.S. fleet that was involved in evacuating refugees (American and European) from Cyprus. Earlier our forces were involved in a NATO military exercise with the Turks that was the cover for there invasion of Cyprus just as a year earlier the joint U.S.-Chilean naval exercise was a cover for the overthrow of Allende. I feel shame for America and Britain (especially for being a guarantor of Cypriot sovereignty) to allow Turkey (that wants to annex Cyprus or parts of it) to invade and still occupy 4o% of a country and for its armed forces to massacre innocent people. Greater is the tragedy because many Turks have Greek blood in their veins, with Greek speaking lands being under Turkish (Seljuk or Ottoman) domination for centuries and its subject peoples converted to Islam for economic or spiritual reasons or being forced to for survival. It is tragic that the fate of smaller or less powerful countries and its peoples be used as pawns to appease the powers that be. Every nation and culture that has risen will also fall, nothing lasts forever and what you sow you will reap. Hopefully mankind will learn this message before it is too late.