Iphigenia (1977)

To appease offended gods before going to war, a commander must sacrifice his favorite daughter to them but does so under the pretext of marrying her off.

Director:

Michael Cacoyannis (as Mihalis Kakogiannis)

Writers:

Michael Cacoyannis (as Mihalis Kakogiannis), Euripides (play)

Stars:

Irene Papas, Kostas Kazakos, Kostas Karras

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Irene Papas	...	Klytaimnistra (as Eirini Papa)
Kostas Kazakos	...	Agamemnonas
Kostas Karras	...	Menelaos
Tatiana Papamoschou	...	Ifigeneia
Hristos Tsagas	...	Odysseas
Panos Mihalopoulos	...	Ahilleas
Angelos Yannoulis	...	Servant
Dimitri Aronis	...	Kalhas
Georges Vourvahakis	...	Orestis
Eirini Koumarianou	...	Nurse
Giorgos Oikonomou	...	Messenger
Dimitris Kontogiannis	...	Myrmidon (as Dimitris Kondogiannis)
Yorgos Charalabidis
Tasos Lertas
Dimitris Mitsoulas

Storyline

The Greek army is about to set sail to a great battle, but the winds refuse to blow. Their leader, King Agamemnon, seeks to provide better food, but accidentally slays a sacred deer. His punishment from the gods, the sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia.

---

Plot Keywords:

greek mythology | character name as title | agamemnon character | male nudity | greece | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Greece's official submission to the 1978's Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.

---

Goofs

According to Greek mythology, Achilles was rendered impervious to wounds by having been dipped in the river Styx as an infant by his mother (all but his heel by which she held him). There is clearly a red mark on the upper arm of Panos Mihalopoulos (who portrayed Achilles). It could be a strawberry birthmark, but it looks like a healing wound which Achilles would not have.

---

Quotes

Ifigeneia: Are you not happy to see me?
Agamemnonas: I'm happy.
Ifigeneia: You say it but your eyes betray you.

---

Connections

Follows Electra (1962)

User Reviews

Beautiful homage for basic human values

Subtle masterpiece and precise recreation of Euripides tragedy.

Delicate art and science of light's exploration. And a great casting.

Same atmosphere of old Greek period, same taste of secret, duty and sacrifice. And the splendid music.

But the power of film consist in Tatiana Papamoschou's androgen's. A delicate acting and form of cult . Noble homage for basic human values. And Irene Papas- part of his character.

Principal merit of film is gentle protection of skill. The tension of silence, the deep force of gestures.

So, "Iphigenia" is more of a beautiful movie. It is a gorgeous "memento mori".

Details

Country:

Greece

Language:

Greek

Release Date:

20 November 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Iphigenia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Greek Film Center

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min 123 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1