I am of Greek descent and had heard of the atrocious massacre in Kalavryta, Greece, prior to watching the movie. Those facts are almost irrelevant, however, when viewing this illuminating film about any, and every, war's profound scarring of mankind. Regardless of time or place, innocent humans are destroyed-not just those murdered, but also those who survive.
"Echoes of the Past" (titled "Kalavryta 1943" abroad) is beautifully filmed and emotionally provoking. Legendary actor, Max von Sydow is perfectly cast as having endured the heart-wrenching occupation of his hometown, when he was just a child during World-War II, and moreso, the daily haunting of those memories.
The execution of more than 500 men and male teens, and the attempted burning/suffocation of all Kalavryta's women and children, together with the annihilation of the town itself, put in stark relief the mind-numbing destruction caused by war. How poignant that this is Mr. Von Sydow's final performance before his death at age 87.
Reviews and critics may note historical uncertainties in the film; however, they miss the point. The movie's focus is on the events that took place in that space, during that tragic period in 1943. Yet the film transcends that time and place. It speaks more generally to the gutting of promising lives. It also highlights the need for remembering and honoring those taken: ancestors, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. (Just as the Kalavrytino Memorial, shown toward the film's end, stands to this day for private mourning and public education.) Only by relaying the unimaginable evil of past actions will we help healing, and deter future crimes against humankind.
"Echoes of the Past" (titled "Kalavryta 1943" abroad) is beautifully filmed and emotionally provoking. Legendary actor, Max von Sydow is perfectly cast as having endured the heart-wrenching occupation of his hometown, when he was just a child during World-War II, and moreso, the daily haunting of those memories.
The execution of more than 500 men and male teens, and the attempted burning/suffocation of all Kalavryta's women and children, together with the annihilation of the town itself, put in stark relief the mind-numbing destruction caused by war. How poignant that this is Mr. Von Sydow's final performance before his death at age 87.
Reviews and critics may note historical uncertainties in the film; however, they miss the point. The movie's focus is on the events that took place in that space, during that tragic period in 1943. Yet the film transcends that time and place. It speaks more generally to the gutting of promising lives. It also highlights the need for remembering and honoring those taken: ancestors, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. (Just as the Kalavrytino Memorial, shown toward the film's end, stands to this day for private mourning and public education.) Only by relaying the unimaginable evil of past actions will we help healing, and deter future crimes against humankind.