As the lights came on in the cinema, a dreadful thud brought me back to reality. I had never been in Crete, Venice or Toledo, Spain in 1500-1600 but, I had for a brief moment in time, believed I was truly there in that era.

Familiar places, enchanting costumes, inspiring words, and some of Greece’s greatest names decorated this piece of art… the film did not lack in anything, it has it all – music by Papathanasiou (with special guest stars such as Psarandonis and Loudovikos Anogeion), direction by Smaragdis, and Moustakas, appearing in what turned out to be his last film, for which he refused payment. Filming took place in Athens, Crete, Rhodes and Spain, and although the film language is English, do not be surprised when they begin to occasionally speak Greek and there are no subtitles.

Debate about quality of the filming created a turmoil around the fact that it only cost seven million euros, and negative comments about lack of lighting on the indoors scenes did arise, but many viewed it as a plus, adding to the atmosphere of the movie.

The film was also criticised by a few for being overly dramatic, but what is drama and tragedy if not Greek?

However, it is a film that will tie any Greek, and especially any Cretan, into an emotional knot, explaining through the eyes of El Greco the occupation by the Venetians and the struggle of Dominikos Theotokopoulos with himself, as well as the Spanish Holy Inquisition.

With scenery and music from Crete itself, this film is a must for us all.

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