Is The Athenians Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1990)

📖 The Core Premise

The Athenians stands as a 1990 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "This is a series of intersecting stories. A petty crook and former lover of a lazy ingénue steals the box-office receipts from the Odeon of Herodus Atticus, on the day an important football game is also taking place. There is also the story of the half-mad mother of the ingénue who refuses to put shoes on because she believes that shoes lead people astray. An eccentric grave-digger produces a two-seater coffin for couple-victims of car accidents. The film also tells the story of one of the Odeon's cleaning women and of a watermelon that goes all around the city, pursued by a tired theater technician and his sister, who is a tour guide. The impresario conducts an inquiry after the theft, but the thief and his two associates, the ingénue and the technician, use what was stolen to set up a small theatre. Small everyday stories and comic incidents combine to create a portrait of modern-day Athens."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Antonis Kafetzopoulos does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Athenians worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Athenians is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.