Watch Little England

Set in the picturesque island of Andros in the 1930s, Little England is a Greek-language film that explores the complex relationships between two sisters and the men in their lives. Based on the novel by Ioanna Karystiani, the movie offers a glimpse into the lives of a traditional Greek family as they navigate love, betrayal, and societal expectations.

The story centers around two sisters, Orsa and Moscha, who grow up in the small, close-knit community of Little England. Orsa is the younger, more rebellious sister who longs to break free from the constraints of her conservative upbringing. Moscha, on the other hand, is the responsible older sister who follows the rules and harbors a secret love for a local officer, Spyros.

As the sisters come of age, they both become involved with men who are married or engaged to other women. Orsa falls for Nikos, a handsome sea captain who is engaged to a wealthy woman. Moscha's relationship with Spyros becomes increasingly complicated as he is torn between his duty as an officer and his love for her.

Against the backdrop of the idyllic island, the characters grapple with their desires and the expectations of their families and society. Orsa, in particular, struggles to reconcile her desire for love and freedom with the pressure to conform to the norms of her community. The tension between the sisters and their suitors, as well as the underlying conflicts between family members, builds to a dramatic climax.

The film is both a sweeping historical drama and an intimate character study, with lush cinematography and vivid depictions of Greek island life in the 1930s. The natural beauty of Andros is juxtaposed with the emotional turmoil of the characters, highlighting the contrast between surface appearances and inner lives.

The performances are uniformly strong, with standout turns by Penelope Tsilika as Orsa and Sofia Kokkali as Moscha. Tsilika imbues Orsa with a fiery spirit and vulnerability, while Kokkali brings a quiet intensity to Moscha's internal struggles. Aneza Papadopoulou is also excellent as the matriarch of the family, whose stoic facade belies a deep well of emotion.

Director Pantelis Voulgaris brings a subtle touch to the material, allowing the story to unfold at a measured pace while still maintaining a sense of urgency. The film's themes of love, duty, and sacrifice resonate in both the personal and the societal spheres, making Little England a moving exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

Overall, Little England is a beautifully rendered period drama that captures the spirit of a bygone era and the universal struggles of the human heart. With its rich visuals and compelling characters, it is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Little England is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.