Watch Ipolochagos Natassa

Ipolochagos Natassa, released in 1970, is a Greek comedy-drama film directed by Dinos Dimopoulos, starring Aliki Vougiouklaki as Natassa, a sergeant in the Hellenic Army. The film is set in the military camp of an unnamed Greek isle and revolves around the daily struggles of Natassa, competing with her fellow male soldiers to prove her valor.

The film starts with Natassa being transported to the island camp on a ship. She is determined to prove herself as a soldier and desires to get the promotion of a full sergeant. However, she soon realizes that her ambition to become the first female sergeant in the army is not going to be easy. The male soldiers, especially her bunkmates, are not thrilled about having a woman share their barracks, and they do not believe she can measure up to their standards.

Despite the difficulties, Natassa persists in doing her best to earn the respect of her colleagues. She tries to fit in by singing, dancing, and joking with them, but it only leads to more ridicule. She is also assigned to a group of inexperienced soldiers who make her job even harder. Her commanding officers, on the other hand, seem indifferent to the situation, and they ignore her pleas for help.

Throughout the movie, Natassa faces various obstacles such as being assigned menial tasks like cleaning and cooking, facing a challenging obstacle course, and enduring sexist remarks. She persists with a stoic demeanor and a strong will to succeed. Despite the obstacles, Natassa soon gains the respect of her comrades and even falls in love with one of them.

The film features a great performance by Aliki Vougiouklaki, who presents Natassa with an energetic, humorous, and fierce attitude. The actress brought the character to life, infusing her with an endearing innocence and fighting spirit that even the most rigid of soldiers finds hard to resist.

Another notable character is Sergeant Major Michalis, played by Dimitris Papamichael, who is Natassa's superior officer. Michalis is initially dismissive of Natassa's desire to achieve, but he soon recognizes her potential and becomes an ally.

Also noteworthy is Kostas Karras's role as the male soldier who falls in love with Natassa. The subplot adds a romantic dimension to the film, and Karras delivers an excellent performance that shows the vulnerability of his character. His devotion to Natassa is evident, and his contribution to the film elevates it significantly.

The film takes advantage of the beautiful Greek scenery, with a good portion of the film shot outdoors, giving viewers a glimpse of the dazzling green landscape and the blue of the surrounding sea. The island setting also serves as a metaphor for the larger role of the Greek army in society, emphasizing its importance in protecting the country's borders and creating a sense of national pride.

Overall, Ipolochagos Natassa is a classic Greek film, which stands out as a remarkable achievement in Greek cinema. The film delivers a balance of humor and drama, mixed with strong performances, making it an entertaining and enjoyable experience. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality that persists in modern society. The film remains culturally significant to this day, providing insight into the role of women in the military and how they navigate situations that are traditionally dominated by men.