The Greek film “Kapetan Mihalis” is based on the Nikos Kazantzakis novel “Freedom or Death” chronicling the struggle of Cretans for independence in their Ottoman occupied Crete in the late 19th century. To transform this epic novel onto the screen requires guts! “Tampering” with a national treasure is risky business. However the filmmakers here have succeeded although what film could ever fully bring to life such a novel?
Kapetan Mihalis (Amilios Heilakis) is the protagonist in the film. He is a fierce Cretan advocating the independence of Crete and it’s joining the Greek nation. He is a driven man not without contradictions. One might refer to him as an obsessive madman while not afraid of baiting and humiliating the Turkish occupiers somewhat skilled at maintaining peace until the time is right to drive out the Turks.
While a hater of Turkish occupiers he is a blood brother of Nuri Bey (Alexos Sissovitz) a prominent Turkish captain. As children they cut their hands and mingled blood making them blood brothers with an exchange of promises not to hurt each other. He is also tempted by Bey’s Circassian concubine Emine.
Yes there is a memorable battle scene where the Turks and Cretans fight. How memorable is it that the abbot and his monks join in the fight to save the monastery under Turkish attack and shocking about the carving out of his face by the Turkish attackers.
In addition to the anti-Turk momentum of the film there are subplots galore concerning incest, the nature of an uprising, jealousy, life under occupation, hatred, dissipation, drunkenness, loyalty, treachery and so forth. One watches here an epic which is not solely focused on “military matters”.
An excellent film that has broad appeal. It was as faithful to “Freedom and Death” as it could be. RKS 2024 Film Rating 93/100.
Directed by Kostas Haralambous. In Greek with English subtitles. Here is the Greek trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xonR_4ioDLk&t=126s
Check the GIFFT website at https://gifft.ca to determine in what 11 Canadian cities the film will be playing at in the 1-31October2024 GIFFT festival.
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