Lolitas of Athens
Lolitas of Athens

Movie spotlight

Lolitas of Athens

1965
Movie
107 min
Greek

What lies hidden in a nymphet’s soul? Lust for sex? Self-preservation? Childhood trauma? Father quest? Who can really see? A Police Officer who wants to bring Rosie back onto the right track does - but Rosie is too busy flirting with middle-aged men, destroying virtuous families and scheming her way up the social ladder, while also wallowing in seedy night clubs of the ’60ies wrestling Frida, the naked dancer hiding a rod, for Jim’s eyes only. Jim is not 100% sure which one of the two blondes he wants to kill so he might just make a serious mistake and kill Rosie. But is it really easy for a nymphet to be killed?

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Nikos KoundourosGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In post-war Athens, two young women, Kitty and Roula, navigate the harsh realities of life and their own burgeoning desires. Kitty, more pragmatic, seeks stability, while Roula is drawn to more impulsive and dangerous pursuits. Their paths intertwine with various characters, reflecting the societal struggles and moral complexities of the era.

Critical Reception

Nikos Koundouros's 'Lolitas of Athens' is considered a landmark of Greek cinema, noted for its unflinching portrayal of societal malaise and the awakening of female sexuality in post-war Greece. While a critical success for its artistic merit and bold themes, its frank depiction of youthful sensuality and socio-economic struggles made it a controversial yet impactful film for its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its provocative and artistic exploration of female identity and societal pressures.

  • Noted for its strong performances, particularly from Jenny Karezi.

  • Recognized as a significant work in the context of Greek New Wave cinema for its realism and thematic depth.

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Awards & Accolades

The film was screened at the 1967 Cannes Film Festival, although it did not win any awards.

Fun Fact

The film's title and themes drew inspiration from Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel 'Lolita', but its narrative and setting are distinctly Greek, exploring local social conditions and moral dilemmas.

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