Alex & Eve

I normally do not care for forbidden romance type stories, but this one captured my interest on two accounts: (1) the two leads are from very similar cultures, and (2) it is set in Australia.

The film is quite reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, however, that movie focused on two very different cultures. Alex & Eve are both from Mediterranean cultures, and the movie makes it a point to highlight the similarities and the slight differences over which the characters fight. (And of course there is the issue of religion and historical conflict, which creates the strife between the two cultures).

Next, it is an Australian production. I have had very limited exposure to Australian film or films set in Australia, so this was quite a treat. This particular story could have taken in any English speaking country with immigrant populations, but it adds a delightful Australian flavor that I haven't gotten elsewhere. (To be fair, I cannot speak to the authenticity of it.)

I was expecting it to follow the usual clichés (and it does actually to a large part) and to skirt over the genuine conflicts this kind of cross cultural marriage can pose. To the latter point, I was glad to see the film address them head on. There were some things that follow movie-logic though and is hard to take seriously. The film was able to give us a sense of the different immigrant experiences of both families, which felt authentic when comparing to my own. I somewhat wish they had something unexpected in store for the ending, but at the same time, this story needed a feel good ending. It didn't need to be so over-the-top though.

The movie does a decent job of depicting non-practicing characters clashing with their families who are devout. I personally relate to this. However, I do note that the movie is very much told from the lens of the non-traditionalist. From that lens, it is respectful of all sides, but from the lens of the devout, I don't think it would come off as particularly respectful.

Overall, I enjoyed it more than I expected, and I enjoyed it despite the terribly cliched plot and shenanigans.

Quite enjoyed it - nice characters, clichée, but very relatable.

The ones that gave bad reviews are fundamentlust, coz she should have married as her family whishes.

Its an entertaining movie for an afternoon at home, you get a fair bit of laughs, enjoy the multi cultural aspects, a good dose of romance, beautiful catchy songs and good chemistry between the 2 leads. Yes, you most probably have seen the plot before in many inter-racial/religion romance movies but this movie still delivers on an entertainment level.

This is a film that is full of stereotypes, utterly predictable but with a happy ending. It's all fluff but ultimately gets the message across that love conquers all. The odd thing is that both cultures, Lebanese and Greek, are very similar, it's only the religion that would get in the way. Lebanese Christians are Greek Orthodox but I guess that would not have made a good story!

With 'Unindian', 'Learning to Drive' and now 'Alex & Eve' all receiving big screen releases in October in Australia at one time; the themes of love and unity in spite of cultural differences are being substantially explored. The American indie 'Learning to Drive' is about when opposites collide; whilst the other two Australian productions are love stories bringing two very different cultures together and finding hope and unity in often comical situations.

'Alex and Eve' is a really delightful film and a solid 8 out of 10 from me. It is a little less broad than 'Unindian', but still has its laughs from some obvious stereotypes and scenarios. Adapting his own play, Alex Lykos successfully brings his group of characters into urban settings and locations and seasoned director Peter Andrikidis, an award winner in television dramas, has extracted fine performances from a large and diverse cast. For me the star of the picture is the luminous Andrea Demetriades. I'd only seen her work on 'Janet King' a television legal drama, and instantly fell in love with her in this role. The actress has created a fully fleshed and believable character; giving her enough flaws but strengths to want an audience to barrack for her. Her co-lead Richard Brancatisano has a heroic journey to undertake here, and he performs the comic shtick as well as the gravitas required. This is often a laugh out loud comedy, as the larger than life supporting characters give the film heart as well as edge. I was particularly impressed with Tony Nikolakopoulos as the young man's father, and Zoe Carides, a veteran of stage and screen as his mostly even tempered wife.

My only criticisms are located in the teaching sequences and some of the dialogue and direction of the young cast playing the students. It defied plausibility for me, but there was so much else to embrace in this movie that it didn't detract too much. It is heartening to see so many movies and TV shows now dealing with multi cultural communities and in particular here, romance and love between people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed 'Alex & Eve' more than 'Unindian' (Brett Lee's leading role) as it felt weightier and with more comedic touches that hit the mark. I hope it finds an audience, and I know that for Andrea Demetriades it will be the first of many leading roles on screen. This is a well made, thoughtful and enjoyable movie.