From time to time a film is released which offers a different sensation to most “big” movies. It is not an action packed blockbuster or a psychological thriller, where the intention is to keep you on the edge of your seat with special effects and wonderful Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

It does not feature the biggest and most highly paid actors in an attempt to bring people to the cinema based purely on the cast. It is not based on science fiction or fantasy, warfare or industrial espionage, or any of a multitude of plots which by their very nature require explosions, special effects and stunt men.

It is simply a movie about real life and relies on each of us to relate to different aspects of a well communicated story as it unfolds. It is an earthy story, so to speak.

Papadopoulos & Sons is one of those films, where the intention is to underline and perhaps remind us of what is important in life. It is a film made with great care and features what appear to be genuine actors who clearly enjoy and love what they do, bringing to life a wonderful, empathetic script. A script which in its structure ensures the message at the end is clear. No matter what ethnic or religious background we are from, life is about family, friends and caring for your loved ones. This film reminds us of these values.

Papa is an honest approach to story-telling and it does indeed tell a simple story.  Harry Papadopoulos, the man of the house and a great business success, has no real time for his family – his work is everything. He is distanced from his three children who are cared for on a day-to-day basis by a nanny following the untimely death of his wife. Harry immerses himself in his work, acquiring great wealth as a result of his exceptional business acumen. He continues to live this life until a banking collapse ensues (how topical, and intuitive of the writer). A subsequent recall by the bank of a huge loan he has taken out for an ongoing investment forces the loss of all assets including the lavish family home. This leaves the family with no option but to retreat to the safety of an almost forgotten family business – a disused Fish & Chip shop left to Harry and his estranged brother Spiros, by their father.

This situation brings the two brothers together for the first time in several years. During the time they are uncomfortably reunited, old wounds are reopened, examined and then closed with care, bringing a feeling of closure for them both. As the great Kenny Everett would have said, “It’s all done in the best possible taste”. There is nothing crass or corny about this movie and I especially liked the fact that although it was based on a Greek Cypriot family, the Greek theme was not overdone, nor was it understated. Greeks are indeed a very family orientated race and this becomes evident as the film goes on and Harry rediscovers some of his Greek traits. However, this could just as easily have been an Indian family, Slovakian, or a family in the East End. The message was simple – in the end, family & happiness are everything.

I especially liked the acknowledgement of the lessening racial tension between the Cypriots and Turks, by placing Turkish neighbours in the street. Fortunately, the racial and religious divide between these two peoples has lessened, (almost non-existent except for hardcore cases) and the film demonstrates this by having Harry’s daughter dating the son of the Turkish Kebab shop owner.

Amusingly, Harry’s opposition to their relationship is not due to race or religion – he simply doesn’t relish his daughter ending up with someone from a kebab shop. So we are back to wealth and finance governing his thinking, not his daughter’s happiness. A nice way to remind us again, of what is important.

There is a wonderful quote in the film, which I felt echoed what I have always said about my own personal life.

“Success is Joy” is quoted by Harry once he has seen the light.

It served to mirror the feelings I have tried to convey to people with regards my own family, particularly my daughters. I am sure many filmgoers will hear those words and agree with the message. This film arrives at the inescapable conclusion that ultimately, family success is more important than successes in finance. Yet is does so in a tender, often amusing and most definitely, realistic manner. I cannot say too much without spoiling the plot, but everything that happens in real life to real people, happens here in this film.

There are excellent performances all round from the main cast, in particular Stephen Dillane as Harry, Georges Corraface as his brother Spiros, Georgia Groome as daughter Katie (complete at times with the nonchalant attitude which many young girls seem to adopt these days – well done Georgia), Frank Dillane as son James Papadopoulos, and also Cosima Shaw, who convincingly plays a character akin to Bigfoot, i.e. a financial adviser with a conscience – like Bigfoot, something we have heard about but never actually seen!

I have to mention one scene which had a great effect on the audience, and shows the attention to detail with regards to the Greek backdrop. In this particular scene, Spiros was cooking for the family in the chip shop. The camera panned to the ingredients in his frying pan – chips. As he added a few eggs the audience recognised the beginnings of a simple dish that all our Greek mums have made at some time or another and indeed, many tourists will have sampled at some point, (eggs, chips, onions & various herbs mixed together) and the whole cinema audience was heard as one, to murmur “Mmmmmmmmmm”.

I am smiling now just thinking of that moment.

By the title and synopsis, the story line is understandably predictable and therefore safe. However, like an exceptional dish at a Michelin starred restaurant, the love with which a movie is prepared and any special ingredients added, will distinguish it from the average. The excellent blends and spices of this movie, i.e. script, acting, individual performances, incidental music, etc. set this film apart from many others, and so move it to the level of Emotional Masterclass.

Deep down we love happy endings and therefore most of us will enjoy what writer/director Marcus Markou’s big screen debut has to offer. There are several heart – warming moments here which will pluck at the familial heartstrings, and indeed sad and touching moments, too. It will succeed in raising the hairs on the back of the neck of all but the most cynical of people.

There are also a few genuinely funny moments, which complete this offering and make it a truly great film. In the movie world there are classic funnies, epic adventures, favourite chick flicks and then great family movies, which we all love and which do stand the test of time.

This is one of them.

Reviewed on behalf of Creative Productions