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Amazon.co.uk Review
Mediterraneo, the 1991 comedy by Gabriele Salvatores, was knocked for not being deep enough but it is what it is; and it is actually an easygoing, sunny movie about eight Italian soldiers who manage to strand themselves on a tiny Greek island paradise during World War II. The sort of mutts who would shoot a donkey for not knowing the proper password, these clumsy warriors become a comic variation on the Lotus Eaters of myth, their fighting spirit evaporated in the midst of so much beauty and sexual availability among the local women. There are also sundry opportunities for the men to find another purpose for their lives (one particularly artistic fellow works on the restoration of a church, for example). Amid the sometimes coarse jokes and gratuitous nudity, there are subtle themes about the contrast between what men are truly like in their natural state versus what they are like as killers. (The Thin Red Line this isn't but Salvatores does, in his own way, touch on some of the same themes.) Watch this one on a cold winter's day and vicariously enjoy the tans as well as the antiwar sentiment. --Tom Keogh
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
If you dream of running away from the world and finding a new dimension in an unspoiled Greek island, lost in the middle of nowhere, then this is the film for you. I must have seen "Mediterraneo" (either at the cinema or on VHS) 20 times since 1992, I always enjoyed it and I bought the DVD, as soon as it became available. This film was such a hit when it was released in Italy, that the tiny and unknown Greek island, where it was originally shot (Kastellorizo, also known as Megisti, no hotels), was stormed by young Italians in search of solitude, quiet and the "Mediterraneo" experience. This film is great, great fun, Italian-style, mixed with a few words of wisdom on how we should all enjoy our life. This is a "must" for those of you who, not being Italian, are not familiar with film-director Gabriele Salvatores and some of the most talented young Italian actors in recent years (such as Diego Abatantuono, Claudio Bisio, Giuseppe Cederna etc.)
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
simply the most heartwarming,funny,romantic and touching film I have ever seen. I could watch this film every week and my mission is to go to Megisti- the greek Island where it was filmed and take the weekly scheduled flight from Rhodes to land on the sameairstrip on the beach.The musical score takes you to hot days and nights as if you were there yourself.
What a shame the film is out of print as my video has been damaged- anyone out there got a spare copy?
What a shame the film is out of print as my video has been damaged- anyone out there got a spare copy?
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A beautiful, clever comedy which plays on the nature of both Greeks and Italians in a rather unbelievable story as far as the total isolation of a platoon of Italian soldiers on a Greek island for the entire duration of the world war II.
But the beauty of the comedy is based on this very isolation and the way these soldiers became part of the community on the island, which was deprived of the men who were taken prisoners by the Germans or were away fighting the war.
The humor is intensive, logical and tangible and the conversations brilliant especially in the original languages.
The English translation is good but can never represent the tone and the special expressions of the original language.
For those who know the character of both Greeks and Italians this film will be considered wonderful and worth seeing it more than once.
The comedy is not an effort to make the evils of the war appearing unimportant but an appreciation that soldiers on both sides of a conflict have a lot in common rather than differences.
For those who have memories of the sad years of the war, this film might simply strengthen the view that both occupying forces in Greece, that of the Germans and that of the Italians were objected and rejected in every possible way but at the same time recognizing that among the two evils, the Italians were considered more reasonable and closer to the Greek mentality and way of life.
The photography is excelled.
The direction of Gabrielle Salvatores at its best
No wonder that this firm was awarded the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language film
But the beauty of the comedy is based on this very isolation and the way these soldiers became part of the community on the island, which was deprived of the men who were taken prisoners by the Germans or were away fighting the war.
The humor is intensive, logical and tangible and the conversations brilliant especially in the original languages.
The English translation is good but can never represent the tone and the special expressions of the original language.
For those who know the character of both Greeks and Italians this film will be considered wonderful and worth seeing it more than once.
The comedy is not an effort to make the evils of the war appearing unimportant but an appreciation that soldiers on both sides of a conflict have a lot in common rather than differences.
For those who have memories of the sad years of the war, this film might simply strengthen the view that both occupying forces in Greece, that of the Germans and that of the Italians were objected and rejected in every possible way but at the same time recognizing that among the two evils, the Italians were considered more reasonable and closer to the Greek mentality and way of life.
The photography is excelled.
The direction of Gabrielle Salvatores at its best
No wonder that this firm was awarded the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language film
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
EXCELLENT AND ENTERTAINING
What a great movie! I enjoyed this immensely and found it very amusing. Really worth the watch. The movie is very well made and has some great shots of the Greek isles.
Published 16 days ago by WARMONGER
One of my favourite films
Originally saw it at the cinema and bought the dvd for when I want to cheer myself up. A truly lovely film.
Published 12 months ago by Fsca
Excellent film
Fantastic insight on the Italian soldier mind of all times. A bunch of not great actors that achieve to give the story not only credibility, but humanity and fluency. Read more
Published 17 months ago by G. Carbone
tale about life and values
Obviously this is not a war film, this is set in a period of war which is why these italians find themselves on a greek island, the war is merely a pretext. Read more
Published on 2 Sep 2009 by Mr. G. B. D'alessio
Gem
This really is a little gem of a film. O.K., you may have to suspend belief a little bit but after all, it is a fantasy. Read more
Published on 17 Sep 2008 by L. S. Van Meer
Sorry for those longing for bloody war scenes...
I agree this movie is NOT a documentary - rather a tale, where the war story is an excuse to talk about the "Mediterraneity", the common feelings and spirit which connect people... Read more
Published on 29 Mar 2008 by Giuseppe Alvaro
Wishful thinking travelogue
Some films are so slight a gentle breeze would blow them away, but Mediterraneo doesn't even need the breeze. Read more
Published on 5 Dec 2007 by Trevor Willsmer
Forget Captain Correlli, this is Italy in WW2
About 1000% better than Captain Correli. Proper story about young italians sent to occupy a Greek island during WW2. Read more
Published on 26 Aug 2007 by Oscar Movie
Superb
A war film with a difference, a stunning island, clear blue skies, a cast all on great form, an excellent story and script with the undercurrent of war throughout. Read more
Published on 1 July 2007 by JamesW
little time of yumminess
A very lovely film.... The Italians come to town ....during the 2nd world war....to take over a greek island...their stay will be approx 3months.... Read more
Published on 15 Sep 2005 by "eggsandwitch"
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