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Product Details
If you think Zorba the Greek is a simple-minded homage to a man with a zest for life, then you haven't seen the movie. Basil (Alan Bates), a reticent British writer, comes to the Mediterranean island of Crete to revive a mine his father owned. On the way, he meets a Greek roustabout named Zorba (Anthony Quinn) and hires him to help, little suspecting that Zorba's exuberance will lead him to some dark and troubling places--frankly, if the last 30 minutes of Zorba the Greek are what it means to embrace life, some viewers will want to shut the door in life's face. But there's no denying the movie's ambitious scope and implacable force, even as it paints an alien and disturbing portrait of life in a Greek village. On top of that, gorgeous cinematography and one of the greatest film scores ever give this movie almost demonic energy. --Bret Fetzer
Product Reviews
 (5 stars) - Experience the joy
I have to say that I have not had a chance to watch this movie since I got it. I bought it to keep for my collection of must see movies. I think Anthony Quin is superb in this movie. I received my order in a matter of days. Now all I have to do is find someone that hasn't seen it so that they can experience the joy of life through Zorba too.
 (4 stars) - Anthony Quinn Was Born To Play Zorba
Having recently read the book by Nikos Kazantzakis I wanted to revisit this film version as it had been many years since I'd seen it. I was very impressed with the direction and the movie's very faithful rendition of the original novel. What really makes this a fine film is the exuberant performance of Anthony Quinn in the title role. If ever an actor was born to play a specific part this was it. Quinn has the character's joy of life and he plays Zorba as if he was possessed. This was clearly the role of a lifetime for him and he was never better. Alan Bates does a fine job as the Englishman who takes Zorba with him to Crete and is gradually transformed by Zorba's zest for living.
The scenery is stunning even though it's in B&W, the raw beauty of the island comes through. Even the opening scenes in the port of Piraeus with the pouring rain are realistic and well done.
I loved the film , although there are two things that made me deduct 1 star. First the film starts and finishes very strong but there are a few scenes in the middle that drag a bit. Second the villagers are depicted as harsh and cruel without really much characterization. They come across as stereotypes and cardboard cutouts at times. The director focused on the main characters and fleshed the cast out with people who look the part but I think they get shortchanged by the plot and screenplay.
(4 stars) - Really good in its time...
If one could find another Anthony Quinn to play the role of Zorba this is a movie that deserves a 21st Century refilming. Unfortunately, Quinn really IS Zorba and it would be hard to create a new identity for Zorba. Quinn actually "channels" Zorba. Too bad the film is so dated!
(5 stars) - Zorbra The Greek
I have seen this movie before. It is excellent. However, I never received the DVD I ordered and paid for. I received a VHS from Henry Campos in Alberquerque, NM. Will you please sebd me what I ordered from Amazon and paid for?
(5 stars) - Anthony Quinn
What can I say that hasn't been said before? 'Zorba' is a testament to the great actor and personality, Anthony Quinn. He fills the screen with his spirit. Zorba does his own thing, lives life to its fullest on his own terms but, even so he is neither small nor selfish. His compassion is boundless.
At the same time, having never been there, I rather suspect that the director/producers of this fine film have shortchanged the people of Crete. The scene in which the French woman lays dying, surrounded by crones in the form of human vultures almost literally waiting to pick her bones, is both distressing and chilling. Also, the scene in which the villagers slaughter the widow woman in a strange form of honor killing is also disturbing. Hopefully, this is a gross mischaracterization of the people of the island.
The last scene in which Zorba and his young boss dance and laugh following the destruction of their mine and dreams is very similar to John Huston's great 'Treasure of Sierra Madre' in which two men, following the loss of all their gold fall into uncontrollable hysterical laughter. After all, what else can you do?
Ron Braithwaite author of novels, "Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God", on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico
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