Do It Yourself is a 2017 Greek comedy-drama directed by Dimitris Tsilifonis, written by Kostas Gavras and Diamantis Karanastasis, starring Konstadinos Aspiotis, Makis Papadimitriou, and Mirto Alikaki. The movie is a social commentary on modern-day Greece, which tells the story of a man who abruptly loses his job and spirals into debt.
The film follows the life of small businessman Nicos (Aspiotis), a hardworking man who owns a construction company. However, he soon learns that his business is in trouble when one of his biggest clients goes bankrupt and leaves him with a large amount of unpaid bills. In a desperate attempt to keep his business running, Nicos takes out multiple loans from private lenders, causing his debts to pile up.
As the weight of his financial problems starts to become too much, Nicos becomes increasingly erratic and irrational, but he refuses to give up on his business, even when his wife Katia (Alikaki) suggests otherwise. With his back against the wall, Nicos decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out to confront the man who owes him money. But his plans are derailed when he meets a mysterious stranger (Papadimitriou) who offers to help him in exchange for a favor.
What follows is a series of unexpected and comedic mishaps that show how far Nicos is willing to go to save his business, his reputation, and his family's future. The film explores themes of economic desperation, the dangers of taking out loans from shady lenders, and the importance of family in times of crisis.
One of the unique aspects of Do It Yourself is its use of humor to tackle serious issues. The film takes an absurdist approach to the challenges faced by Nicos and his family, injecting each scene with witty banter and comedic moments. However, this comedic tone is never used to trivialize the real-life struggles of millions of Greeks, instead highlighting the struggles of Nicos as representative of those dealing with financial difficulties in Greece.
The cinematography and soundtrack also play an essential role in creating the film's tone. The music, composed by Nikolas Labrinakos, is poignant and emotional, underpinning the chaotic nature of Nicos' journey. The camera work, by Yannis Drakoularakos, is focused on close-ups and intense, handheld shots, creating a sense of immediacy that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
The three main actors deliver powerful performances, particularly Aspiotis in the lead role. His portrayal of Nicos is touching, often funny, but ultimately tragic, as he battles to save his livelihood and provide for his family. His chemistry with Alikaki, who plays his supportive but frustrated wife Katia, is also noteworthy, with the two actors convincingly portraying the dynamics of a family in crisis.
Finally, Do It Yourself excels in its ability to encapsulate the experiences of the Greek people during the economic crisis of the early 2010s. The movie does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the country's capital, Athens, during this time, showing the struggle of small business owners who are trying to make a living in a city that is quickly losing its charm.
Overall, Do It Yourself is a powerful movie that combines humor, tragedy, and social commentary, presenting a cautionary tale of financial desperation in modern-day Greece. It's a film that deals with weighty issues without being overtly political, making it accessible to audiences around the world. For those interested in the economic struggles of Greece, or those simply looking for a good drama with a touch of humor, Do It Yourself is an excellent choice.
Do It Yourself is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.
