For some reason I thought this film was from a significantly earlier time than 1968 when it was made.
Savor the sweetness of daily life (the older brothers with their sisters and Mother/Grandmother). The boys playing piano while their boss father plays billiards in his "office?" The street life too, especially one of the Sundays - their is a wholesome happiness found in friends greeting friends.
While I understand there are larger overtones in the mix as well, I think even if the political were somehow factored out, the contrast between the two brothers was sort of a "Goofus" vs "Gallant" for people in the USA who recall the old Highlights magazine (a staple of dentist waiting rooms around the time this film was made).
The surprise here is how "Goofus" rises to the occasion. In his job interview in that billiard/boardroom he is frank and humble, he fits in with the workers plays some football on a break and shares some glasses of the local product as the coworkers honor (I think the deceased) father of Niko. He's a salt of the earth kind of young person, and very young at that.
His pursuit of Marina is full of awkward charm. While his big brother is more forceful and by the book, saying what the bosses want to hear, and playing by the rules even if the rules are unfair.
Again the story seems less important than the scenes, especially those involving small or large crowds of extras. The use of music, both as soundtrack, but moreso as a reason for a crowd to assemble in societal and musical harmony.
A gentle celebration of wine, love and song that like a vintage crop, has aged well.
Savor the sweetness of daily life (the older brothers with their sisters and Mother/Grandmother). The boys playing piano while their boss father plays billiards in his "office?" The street life too, especially one of the Sundays - their is a wholesome happiness found in friends greeting friends.
While I understand there are larger overtones in the mix as well, I think even if the political were somehow factored out, the contrast between the two brothers was sort of a "Goofus" vs "Gallant" for people in the USA who recall the old Highlights magazine (a staple of dentist waiting rooms around the time this film was made).
The surprise here is how "Goofus" rises to the occasion. In his job interview in that billiard/boardroom he is frank and humble, he fits in with the workers plays some football on a break and shares some glasses of the local product as the coworkers honor (I think the deceased) father of Niko. He's a salt of the earth kind of young person, and very young at that.
His pursuit of Marina is full of awkward charm. While his big brother is more forceful and by the book, saying what the bosses want to hear, and playing by the rules even if the rules are unfair.
Again the story seems less important than the scenes, especially those involving small or large crowds of extras. The use of music, both as soundtrack, but moreso as a reason for a crowd to assemble in societal and musical harmony.
A gentle celebration of wine, love and song that like a vintage crop, has aged well.