The message at the end of this film states that it is dedicated "to all of those who are running away" - as at least three of the main characters in the film ultimately do. As such, it could not be greater escapism for all of us watching; the only way would be to travel to Greece ourselves!
Mediterraneo is one of those films that can only make its audience think, laugh, reflect on deeper questions despite the fact that the actual storyline therein is quite simplistic indeed. A number of Italian soldiers, stranded on a Greek island, miss out on the end of World War II - such is the premise here and, just like that, this could have been quite the run-of-the-mill umpteenth boring war film, if done in a certain more marketable way... But it was done the European way: exploring the thoughts, aspirations, even a hint of the souls of these soldiers, rather than their militaristic exploits. And it was done in a lyrical way, even, I dare say! This movie delves into what every single soldier truly aspires to, even in the midst of war - and that is peace and love of course. And where better than a paradisaical Greek island to find such a thing, hmm?
Even if time does not allow for much exploration, the ensemble cast is well-defined and each soldier is given such endearing personality traits through the characters as they were written as much as through the fine performances by each and everyone in the cast. They are funny, witty and oh-so-Italiano, while the ladies they meet on the island are voluptuous and strong, and oh-so-Greek too...! Beyond boundaries and borders, we are all the same and this film underlines that in many ways.
There is another phrase that will stay with you after all this, if you are either nationality or belong to any other in the vicinity of the Mediterranean sea; and it is "one race, one face." Or the later, amusing version of it, as the second-in-command makes it up as he is indulging in all the good food that is so plentiful there: "one race, one stomach."
The scenery is stunning, the music is haunting - I cannot say enough (or more than has already been said) about the intrinsic qualities of this production. It is a feast for all the sense - and for the soul as well.
Above all, the entire exercise reminds us of this, too: life is so short. Enjoy it while you can. Find that place where you can finally stop running away.
Mediterraneo is one of those films that can only make its audience think, laugh, reflect on deeper questions despite the fact that the actual storyline therein is quite simplistic indeed. A number of Italian soldiers, stranded on a Greek island, miss out on the end of World War II - such is the premise here and, just like that, this could have been quite the run-of-the-mill umpteenth boring war film, if done in a certain more marketable way... But it was done the European way: exploring the thoughts, aspirations, even a hint of the souls of these soldiers, rather than their militaristic exploits. And it was done in a lyrical way, even, I dare say! This movie delves into what every single soldier truly aspires to, even in the midst of war - and that is peace and love of course. And where better than a paradisaical Greek island to find such a thing, hmm?
Even if time does not allow for much exploration, the ensemble cast is well-defined and each soldier is given such endearing personality traits through the characters as they were written as much as through the fine performances by each and everyone in the cast. They are funny, witty and oh-so-Italiano, while the ladies they meet on the island are voluptuous and strong, and oh-so-Greek too...! Beyond boundaries and borders, we are all the same and this film underlines that in many ways.
There is another phrase that will stay with you after all this, if you are either nationality or belong to any other in the vicinity of the Mediterranean sea; and it is "one race, one face." Or the later, amusing version of it, as the second-in-command makes it up as he is indulging in all the good food that is so plentiful there: "one race, one stomach."
The scenery is stunning, the music is haunting - I cannot say enough (or more than has already been said) about the intrinsic qualities of this production. It is a feast for all the sense - and for the soul as well.
Above all, the entire exercise reminds us of this, too: life is so short. Enjoy it while you can. Find that place where you can finally stop running away.