Blood on the Land
Blood on the Land

Movie spotlight

Blood on the Land

1966
Movie
130 min
Greek

Two rival brothers vie for the same woman against the backdrop of peasant revolts in their Greek homeland. In Thessaly in 1907, a man incites the poor farmers to take over the land they work for the benefit of the landowners. Odysseus (Nikos Kourkoulos), the son of one such landowner (Manos Katrakis), refuses to clash with the farmers.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Costas ManoussakisGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

During the Nazi occupation of Greece, a group of villagers attempts to resist the invaders. A young man, driven by the desire for revenge after his family's suffering, becomes entangled in the dangerous world of espionage and resistance, facing moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices.

Critical Reception

While "Blood on the Land" received significant acclaim in Greece and was selected as the Greek entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 39th Academy Awards, its international reception was more muted compared to some other wartime dramas of the era. It is primarily recognized for its powerful portrayal of the Greek resistance and its historical significance within Greek cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stark and realistic depiction of occupation and resistance.

  • Commended for strong performances, particularly from Manos Katrakis.

  • Noted for its emotional impact and exploration of the human cost of war.

Google audience: Audience reviews for this film are not readily available through Google's platform, making it difficult to summarize specific user sentiments.

Awards & Accolades

Selected as the Greek entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 39th Academy Awards (though not nominated). Won awards at the Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel "The Land of Blood and Honey" by Greek author Giorgos Theotokas, though the film's narrative deviates significantly from the book's specific plot points.

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