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5.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Kiss Me, Maritsa remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Kiss Me, Maritsa is one of those sweet, unassuming films that just kind of washes over you. If you’re a fan of classic Greek cinema or just want a gentle, old-fashioned story about breaking free, this could be a lovely pick for a quiet evening. But if you need high stakes, fast action, or anything too gritty, you might find it a little too... *polite*.
The premise is simple enough: Maritsa, played by Eva Benaki, is a young woman who just doesn't fit into her sleepy village. She's got this palpable energy, a restlessness that the camera picks up on right away. You feel her wanting something *more* than just the daily grind with her uncle.
Her uncle, who’s also the community president (Kostas Pomonis), is a real archetype. He’s not a villain, just very much set in his ways. There's a scene where he's lecturing Maritsa about her duties, and her eyes just sort of glaze over. It’s a tiny, blink-and-you-miss-it thing, but it perfectly sums up her feeling trapped.
Then comes the industrialist's son, played by Periklis Plemenidis. He’s the ticket out, really. He’s handsome enough, quite charming, but honestly, he’s more of a plot device than a deep character. He exists to offer Maritsa a different path, to be her ride to Athens. 🚗
The move to Athens feels almost abrupt. One minute Maritsa is practically bursting at the seams in the village, the next she's in a city apartment. It’s like the film skipped a chapter, eager to get to the new surroundings. You don't really see the journey, just the before and after.
Athens itself isn't presented as some glittering dreamland, which I actually appreciated. It's just… bigger. More crowded. Maritsa seems a little overwhelmed at first, which feels authentic. She wanted to leave, but arriving somewhere new is a whole different experience.
There's a quiet moment where she tries on a new, more modern dress. The way she looks at herself in the mirror, it’s not pure joy or instant transformation. It’s more like a question, a *hesitation*. Like she's wondering if this new version of herself actually fits.
The pacing is pretty relaxed throughout. It never feels rushed, even with the quick scene changes. You get some lovely, lingering shots of the Greek countryside, which are beautiful, then it's back to Maritsa's latest scheme or dilemma.
A Small Observation: The village scenes have this oddly specific background chatter. It's not always clear what they're saying, but it adds to the feeling of a busy, if a bit stifling, community. Like everyone's always got an opinion.
The film wraps things up neatly. Perhaps a little *too* neatly. It’s a feel-good story, so don’t expect any super challenging twists or profound insights into the human condition. It delivers on its promise: a simple, hopeful tale of a girl finding her own way, whatever that means for her.
It’s not going to redefine cinema, but Kiss Me, Maritsa offers a pleasant, nostalgic escape. It’s the kind of film you watch when you want something light, something that feels like a warm breeze on a summer afternoon. Nothing more, nothing less. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. 😊
IMDb 6.2
1929
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