A Blast is a Greek drama movie directed by Syllas Tzoumerkas and starring Angeliki Papoulia, Basile Doganis, and Maria Filini. The movie begins with Maria (Angeliki Papoulia), a young mother of two living in rural Greece, getting on a bus with a suitcase and leaving her family behind. As the story unfolds, we learn that Maria is deeply dissatisfied with her life and is trying, in her own way, to find a way out.
The movie follows Maria as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by her own frustrations and disillusionment. At first, she tries to reconnect with old friends, but they can't give her the answers she's looking for. She then joins street rallies, goes to parties, and even visits a monastery. But nothing seems to give her the satisfaction and sense of purpose she craves.
The movie is non-linear, but as the story progresses, we learn more about Maria's past and the events that led her to make her current choices. We see her struggles with her family, her attempts to get an education and find work, and her ultimate disillusionment with the life she's been living.
In parallel to Maria's story, we see other characters in the movie, all of whom are struggling with their own issues. There's Maria's sister (Maria Filini), who is having an affair with Maria's husband (Vassilis Doganis) and is raising her children while Maria is gone. There's also Maria's father, who is dealing with his own health problems and a sense of regret over his past actions.
The movie is intense and emotional, with strong performances by its cast. Angeliki Papoulia shows a raw and emotional side of her acting skills, as she portrays the character of Maria, darkly and deeply. Maria Filini also gives an emotional performance as Maria's sister, who is trying to balance her own needs with her responsibilities to her family.
The movie deals with themes of gender, politics, identity, and family, and is a powerful commentary on life in Greece during the economic crisis of the early 2010s. It's a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human condition, filled with moments of both joy and despair.
The movie's cinematography is stunning, with shots of the Greek landscape and cityscapes that convey the mood and atmosphere of the movie. The soundtrack is also well-curated, with a mix of Greek and alternative music that underscores the emotions of the story.
One of the strengths of A Blast is its ability to challenge its viewers and provoke thought. The movie raises questions about the choices we make in life, the sacrifices we make for our families, and the ways we find meaning and purpose in our lives. It's an uncompromising portrayal of a society in turmoil and the toll that turmoil takes on its people.
In conclusion, A Blast is a powerful and provocative movie that explores issues of personal and societal identity in a way that is both raw and unflinching. The movie's strong performances, stunning cinematography, and thought-provoking script make it a must-see for anyone interested in Greek cinema or exploring the human condition.
A Blast is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.
