Movie spotlight
Honeymoon
Taxidi Tou Melitos is about the fear that most elderly people experience: approaching death. Leon (Stavros Xenides) and Zaharoula (Betty Livanou) are heading out for their annual vacation at a summer resort. Instead of their usual carefree anticipation, their mood is subdued because their daughter has just married and is off on her honeymoon. Life is lonely without her and the couple cannot avoid the realization that death is not that far away for them. Once at the resort, Leon tries to overcome this nagging fear by taking a wild plunge in the ocean, naked, as he and Zaharoula are out walking on the beach. Taken up in the spirit of the moment, she joins him among the waves. The results, however, are not what they expected.
Insights
Plot Summary
A newlywed couple, Henk and Sandra, embark on their honeymoon in Athens, Greece. Their idyllic trip quickly turns sour as Henk's jealousy and possessiveness begin to manifest, straining their relationship. Sandra finds herself increasingly uncomfortable and isolated, leading to a dramatic unraveling of their marital bliss.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Honeymoon' received a mixed to negative reception, with many critics finding the film's themes of jealousy and obsession unsettling and poorly handled. While some acknowledged the performances, the overall narrative was often criticized for its bleakness and lack of resolution. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some viewers appreciating its darker psychological elements and others finding it too uncomfortable or gratuitously bleak.
What Reviewers Say
The film's exploration of marital discord and possessiveness is often disturbing.
Performances are noted, but the narrative can feel slow and lacks a satisfying conclusion.
Visually, the film captures the atmosphere of Athens, but the thematic elements are heavy-handed for some.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film marked a significant collaboration between director Paul Verhoeven and actor Rutger Hauer, who would go on to work together on several other internationally successful films, including 'Soldier of Orange' and 'Turkish Delight'.
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