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Ilya (Melina Mercouri) is the most popular prostitute in Piraeus; all men want her, although only Tonio (George Foundas) truly loves her. When Grecophile American scholar Homer (Jules Dassin, who also scripts and directs) arrives in town he too becomes smitten by Ilya, and attempts to educate and improve her via the tragic Greek plays which she always keeps her Sundays free to attend.
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47 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By Michael Lavocah
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
Melina Mercouri is Illia, the stereotypical "tart with a heart", loved by the men of Piraeus. Into her life come Homer, the American amateur philospher who thinks he wants to save her, but really only wants her for himself, and Toni, who really is in love with her. Homer's attempts to reframe Illia's life in his moral universe succeed for a while, but her spirit refuses to be crushed.
Given this premise, one might think that this is a naive film. It is not - it is quite knowing in places - but it rejects cynicism in all its forms, and therein lies the film's puzzle and its charm. The film, and Illia, emerge as a triumphant hymn to exuberance.
The main theme from the wonderful soundtrack by the neglected Manos Hadjidakis is so familiar, you'll think it is a traditional Greek tune.
Given this premise, one might think that this is a naive film. It is not - it is quite knowing in places - but it rejects cynicism in all its forms, and therein lies the film's puzzle and its charm. The film, and Illia, emerge as a triumphant hymn to exuberance.
The main theme from the wonderful soundtrack by the neglected Manos Hadjidakis is so familiar, you'll think it is a traditional Greek tune.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
At the time of its release, this spirited comedy defined Greek cinema, if not Greece itself, for the world—an accolade that has many built-in ironies. Mercouri established a worldwide reputation with her portrayal of Ilya, the happy Piraeus hooker who bucks the system and helps organize her fellow prostitutes to do the same. Dassin plays a Connecticut Yankee, Homer Thrace, who comes to seek an ancient truth, believes he discovers in Ilya the “departed glory of Greece,” and sets to work remaking her. Ilya—and the film—however, argue for a modern Greece that wants to be known for itself: a vital community of politics, joy, and sensuality. Mercouri won the Best Actress Award at Cannes and the film won an Academy Award for well-known theme song, written by Manos Hadjidakis.
A must see movie. :)
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A brilliant evocation of a time gone by. Simple performances with a backdrop of a tart with a heart and an overthinking American played out in the dirty port of Piraeus. If you kew Greece then or know Greece now you should watch this film.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great film of the time
Thought it was a faulty disk and discovered a faulty scart lead was to blame for pixel problems. Sweet film with lovely scenery and reminded me of holidays in recent years. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Smiler
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nexer on Sunday
The characters are my contemporaries. This is probably why I chose it. However it fell a little flat as I realised that things in my day were not as brilliant as I imagined.
Published 2 months ago by mr m white
2.0 out of 5 stars
Never on Sunday
The film was in English subtitles the speaking was in Greek. I found this very boring could not really get into this film.
Published 8 months ago by rocky
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful after all these years
This film is as delightful now as it was when it first came out; watching it again is a great memory trip and a delightful insight into human life.
Published 15 months ago by Kari Tapiola
5.0 out of 5 stars
very nice
very quick delivery, and product very fine. Absolutely no reason for anything to complain about. I have been wishing for this video for a long time, having seen it many years ago... Read more
Published 16 months ago by jantina pedersen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never on a Sunday
This Film was a top hit in the 1960's and it gave me grate pleasure to watch it all over again. Melina Mercouri was not only a great actres but she became Greek Minister of the... Read more
Published on 20 Dec 2010 by Carnigie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Greece - The Movie
I was in Athens in early January, where the music from this film is played publicly and there is a statue of Melina Mercouri. Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2010 by Mr. B. N. A. Roth
5.0 out of 5 stars
great music
this album in short is absolutely first class, to tell you the truth i could not wait to get it on my cd player ivewaited for this album for years the main track is fantastic.
Published on 24 Dec 2009 by Mr. T. Nestor
5.0 out of 5 stars
never on sunday brilliant film
bought the DVD really to hear the film version of Never on Sunday by Melina Mercouri. You normally only get the chance to hear Nana Mouskouri's hit version; Melina's version is no... Read more
Published on 31 July 2009 by Geoff, Darwen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Melina's Marbles!
Hadn't seen this for many years, and had forgotten the charm of this excellent film.
It's in a class of its own, and difficult to compare with anything else. Read more
It's in a class of its own, and difficult to compare with anything else. Read more
Published on 5 May 2009 by Green Knight
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