The Children of the Swallow

"Ta paidia tis Helidonas" ( Children of Helidona ), is another film that deals with the Greek civil war between communists and democrats, which was something really common in the 80's. Talks about the story of a journalist (Alekos Alexandrakis), who returns back at the village of Helidona somewhere in the Greek province and that's because of a TV documentary. The main point is a family that was separated during the civil war. 3 of the kids joined the communists and fought for them and the other 3 went to major cities, where things were safer. All children are gathered, because of the death of the eldest. We can see them 40 years after remembering how things were, everybody seeing the facts from his/her own sight but everybody gives us the impression that has regretted about whatever he/she has done. A film showing what has happened to the ex-rebels, who have inevitably lost their "appettite" for revolution, because time has left them no choice but "follow" the system. You can also see how the people of TV see things. The scenario is great, with Vassilis Diamantopoulos and Mary Hronopoulou giving outstanding performances, awarded at the Thessaloniki Movie Festival, and pay attention at Mara Martika and Ilias Logothetis, too ! The film has a documentary style sometimes, but it's so beautifully given, that it never becomes boring. A great film, not only for a Greek film, but a great film in general !