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

When this movie came out, it polarized audiences due to the heavy and continuous use of vulgar cussing. It was so over the top, that many, even today consider it to be a comedy-an absurd one at that- and you know what? It does come off as one to an extent.

However, if you take the time to look deeper and try to understand the connection with the average modern Greek decadent suburban family, you will discover another layer of filmmaking, full of realism and raw motion. The characters may feel over the top but I believe it was done on purpose, to convey how horrific every-day life for some people can be. From the father and the mother down to their kids, a feeling of pure social decay permeates.

It's this duality that makes the film interesting in my eyes. It doesn't shove its message in your face but it's there for you to discover if you want to take the time. If you just want to spend some time watching excessive cussing and laughing at all the ludicrous situations that unfold, then you're perfectly welcome to do that. The 18 year old me sure did!

The cynical mid-thirties me is lifting the veil of crude comedy to look what's beneath, whenever I stumble on this film in TV.

Spirtokouto is a unique movie with a cult following in Greece and many iconic vulgar lines. It succeeds in showing some of the pathogenies of Greek society and families, the settings are full of heat, sweat and misery (as they should) and some vulgar lines are funny. Originality is also there and the movie is not longer than it should, a mistake a lot of similar movies make. On the other side, there is no real plot, the constant fighting and cursing loses its shock value after a while and becomes boring and the movie in general offers nothing more. For that reason, despite its originality, this movie does not deserve any rating higher than six.

Spirtokouto is a really unique film, and takes guts and a great deal of patience to follow. The name, meaning matchbox, is probably meant to suggest the extreme temper of the head character. He actually reminds me a lot of my own father, so I believe the screenplay is fairly realistic. I think this movie is a really good try by the Greek director Giannis Ekonomidis, and it's a really interesting and different one. Everything's promising about it. Not exactly perfect, nothing like the masterpiece "Apo Tin Akri Tis Polis" which I think is the best Greek movie ever; but still pretty good and definitely watchable. I'm looking forward to seeing other movies featuring the cast and the director. Recommended! 7/10

One of the greater films ever made in Greece.

A "hardcore snapshot" of Greek reality given by excellent performance from the actors.

The raw truth about the roles inside a typical family in modern Greece filmed by a unique way from Giannis Oikonomidis Dimitris,Maria,Kiki,Giorgos,Vagelis and Loukas could be our father, our mother our sister, brother or friend, our neighbour, or the the owner of the store at the corner, who always fighting with his family for no reason. And at the end everybody is happy and they continue there lives like there's nothing happened.