Watch Antigone

In the 1961 movie Antigone, directed by Yorgos Javellas, the Greek tragedy by Sophocles comes to life on the big screen. The film stars Irene Papas as Antigone, a young woman who defies the law to honor her brother's death. Antigone's brother, Polynices, has died in battle against his own city, Thebes. The ruler of Thebes, Creon (played by Manos Katrakis), declares that Polynices will not be given a proper burial, as he is considered a traitor to the city. Antigone, deeply loyal to her brother, defies Creon's edict and buries him anyway.

Creon, furious at Antigone's disobedience, orders her to be punished. The punishment he chooses is to wall her up alive in a tomb. Antigone's actions and her ultimate sacrifice spark a debate about the meaning of justice, loyalty, and family in a society governed by strict laws.

The film's stunning visuals and delicate attention to period detail are worth noting. Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, the film captures the timeless themes of the play and brings them to life in vivid detail. The actors' performances, specifically those of Papas and Katrakis, are also notable. Their emotional range and physical presence on screen are powerful and moving.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of Chorus. In the original Greek play, the Chorus of Theban elders serves as the voice of the city, commenting on the action and offering insight into the character's motivations. In this film adaptation, the Chorus is represented by a group of twelve children who provide an eerie and symbolic commentary on the unfolding events. The use of children in this context is haunting and impactful, adding to the sense of tragedy and lost innocence that permeates the film.

Overall, the 1961 Antigone is a powerful adaptation of a timeless classic. The themes of loyalty, justice, and family resonate to this day, and the film's stunning visuals and performances make it a memorable and moving cinematic experience.

Antigone is a 1961 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.