The Weeping Meadow

The film opens in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Odessa in 1919. A group of Greeks are forced to return to their homeland. Among the stragglers is an orphan Eleni (Alexandra Aidini) who is taken in by a family. Growing up with the family's son, love blossoms. This passion is culminated with the couple eloping under strained circumstances. Rest of the film centers around this relationship admist a changing political landscapes of the 1930 and 40's.

In spite of the good intentions of the director, the film is unfortunately long, discombobulated and very hard to sit through. The lead actors are wooden and unimaginative. Apparently it is part one of a trilogy. A trilogy that I want no part of. The only saving grace was the theme song. But I really shouldn't take anything away from the director who has done a good job. I think this is a case of western sparseness clashing with Eastern sensibilities.

Rating: *