# Zorba the Greek

> 1964 film by Michael Cacoyannis

**Wikidata**: [Q818710](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q818710)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zorba_the_Greek_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zorba-the-greek

## Summary
Zorba the Greek is a 1964 film directed by Michael Cacoyannis, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. It stars Anthony Quinn and features a renowned score by Mikis Theodorakis, including the iconic "Sirtaki" dance. The film explores themes of Greek identity and resilience, becoming a cultural landmark.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: 1964 (premiered December 16, 1964, in the U.S.)
- **Director**: Michael Cacoyannis
- **Based On**: Novel by Nikos Kazantzakis
- **Starring**: Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas
- **Music**: Mikis Theodorakis (score includes "Sirtaki")
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Lila Kedrova, 1965), National Board of Review Top Ten Films (1964)
- **Production Company**: 20th Century Studios
- **Countries**: Greece, United States, United Kingdom
- **Genres**: Drama film, Musical film
- **Runtime**: 142 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Box Office**: $4.5 million (U.S. rentals)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 48 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0057831
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 80%
- **Related Entities**: Mikis Theodorakis, Anthony Quinn, Michael Cacoyannis, 20th Century Studios

## FAQs
**What is Zorba the Greek about?**
The film follows the story of Alexis Zorba, a Greek laborer, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage in early 20th-century Crete.

**Who composed the music for Zorba the Greek?**
Mikis Theodorakis composed the iconic score, including the "Sirtaki" dance, which became a global symbol of Greek culture.

**What awards did Zorba the Greek win?**
It won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Lila Kedrova, 1965) and was named one of the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 1964.

**Where was Zorba the Greek filmed?**
Primary filming locations included Crete, Greece, and Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom.

**How was Zorba the Greek received critically?**
The film holds an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its cultural portrayal and Anthony Quinn's performance.

## Why It Matters
Zorba the Greek matters as a cultural touchstone that popularized Greek music and identity worldwide. Its score by Mikis Theodorakis, particularly the "Sirtaki," transcended the film to become an enduring symbol of Greek culture. The movie's exploration of resilience and tradition resonated globally, contributing to its status as a classic of world cinema. It also highlighted the collaborative efforts of Greek and international artists, showcasing Greece's rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Score**: Mikis Theodorakis's "Sirtaki" became a global phenomenon, symbolizing Greek culture.
- **Awards Recognition**: Won an Academy Award and ranked among the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films.
- **Cultural Ambassadorship**: Introduced international audiences to Greek music, dance, and traditions.
- **Star Performances**: Anthony Quinn's portrayal of Zorba is widely regarded as one of his finest roles.
- **Literary Adaptation**: Faithfully adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis's novel, preserving its thematic depth.

## Body

### Production and Release
Zorba the Greek was directed by Michael Cacoyannis and released in 1964. The film premiered in the United States on December 16, 1964, and in the United Kingdom on March 26, 1965. Produced by 20th Century Studios, it was a collaborative effort between Greece, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The screenplay was adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis's 1946 novel of the same name.

### Cast and Crew
The film starred Anthony Quinn as Alexis Zorba, alongside Alan Bates and Irene Papas. Mikis Theodorakis composed the acclaimed score, which included the "Sirtaki" dance that gained international recognition. Theodorakis's work on the film earned him a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Music.

### Music and Cultural Impact
The score by Mikis Theodorakis, particularly the "Sirtaki," became a defining element of the film. This music not only enhanced the movie's narrative but also introduced global audiences to Greek folk traditions. The "Sirtaki" dance, performed in the film, remains a popular cultural reference, symbolizing Greek identity and joy.

### Awards and Recognition
Zorba the Greek received critical acclaim and several awards. Lila Kedrova won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1965 for her role as Madame Hortense. The film was also recognized as one of the National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 1964. These accolades solidified its reputation as a landmark film in both Greek and international cinema.

### Themes and Legacy
The film explores themes of Greek identity, resilience, and the human spirit, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Crete. Its portrayal of traditional Greek life and culture contributed to its enduring appeal. Zorba the Greek is celebrated for its authentic representation of Greek heritage, making it a classic of world cinema and a significant cultural export for Greece.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 142 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Box Office**: $4.5 million in U.S. rentals
- **Genres**: Drama, Musical
- **Filming Locations**: Crete, Greece; Shepperton Studios, UK

### Related Entities
- **Mikis Theodorakis**: Greek composer known for his work on the film's score.
- **Anthony Quinn**: Mexican-American actor who portrayed Alexis Zorba.
- **Michael Cacoyannis**: Cypriot-Greek director who brought the story to the screen.
- **20th Century Studios**: Production company behind the film's release.

### Historical Context
Released in 1964, Zorba the Greek emerged during a period of growing international interest in Greek culture. The film capitalized on this trend, using its narrative and music to share Greek traditions with a global audience. Its success coincided with the rise of Mikis Theodorakis as a prominent figure in Greek music, further amplifying the film's cultural impact.

### Preservation and Influence
Zorba the Greek has been preserved in film archives and continues to influence popular culture. The "Sirtaki" dance remains a staple of Greek cultural festivals and media representations of Greece. The film's legacy extends beyond entertainment, serving as a historical document of Greek life and a bridge between traditional and modern cultural expression.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/zorba-il-greco/19321/)
2. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=86795.html)
3. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/grek-zorba)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057831/fullcredits)
5. [Source](https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film526690.html)
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1965)
7. Letterboxd
8. MusicBrainz
9. Zorba the Greek. Rotten Tomatoes
10. Google Knowledge Graph
11. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/zorba-the-greek/)
12. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
13. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
14. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/30227)
15. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=13147)
16. mymovies.it
17. The Movie Database
18. Danish Film Database
19. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/83145)
20. TheTVDB
21. Trakt.tv
22. FilmVandaag.nl