Zorba the Greek
(1964)Alexis Zorbas 1964
The feature film Alexis Zorbas, directed by Michalis Kakoyannis of Cypriot origin, was released in 1964. Adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel of the same name, the film stars master actor Anthony Quinn, English actress Alan Bates, who died in 2003, Greek actress Irene Papas, and Leela Kedrova, who died in 2000. Nominated for Oscars for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actor, the film won Oscars for Best Black and White Editing, Best Set Design, and Best Supporting Actress. Nominated for three BAFTAs and five Golden Globes, with a budget of less than $1 million, the original run is 145 minutes. Vasily is an unhappy and tired writer who has accepted defeat from life. A teenager travels to Crete to operate a mine he inherited, and his life changes when he meets Alexis Zorba, a life mistress with contrasting qualities.
