Telling the tale of an Anglo-Greek self-made millionaire who loses it all, Papadopulous and Sons arrives with almost indecently prescient timing given the Cypriot banking crisis.
Acting heavyweight Stephen Dillane plays Harry Papadopoulos, award winning entrepreneur, widower and somewhat dour dad of three; designer labelworshipping, spoilt Kim Kardashian-esque Katie (Georgia Groome), sensitive, plant-loving James (Frank Dillane) and financial whizzkid Theo (Thomas Underhill).
When Harry over-reaches himself and loses everything in the financial crash he has little choice but to turn to his bear-like, estranged older brother, Spiros (George Corraface) and re-open their long abandoned, modest family fish and chip shop, The Three Brothers.
A true labour of love from writer/director Marcus Markou – truly putting the indie into indie cinema by financing and marketing the film himself – displays a rather deft touch at gentle comedy with more than a dose of pathos, presenting the Papadopoulos family as a sympathetic unit, even the screechy Katie has more to her than just hair extensions and sullen pout.
Unsurprisingly, Dillane is a class act in the lead role, conveying a calm exterior whilst his emotions simmer within. He is matched by Corraface as the appealingly passionate and charming Spiros, spouting words of Greek wisdom loudly to anyone who will listen. All the kids acquit themselves well with Groome nailing the Greek Princess Katie and Frank Dillane displays more than a little screen presence with his likeable James, sparking genuine chemistry with his on and off-screen father. It is the performances that elevate the film from formulaic Brit-com and Markou’s directing is pleasing to the eye as well as to the soul.
Sweetly made, lovely to look at with cracking performances Papadopulous and Sons makes one forget the Greek cliches and predictable plot turns. Sure, we get some rousing Greek dancing, sure we can see that Harry will be a richer man in spirit once he is poorer financially, but the infectious charm of the Papadopoulos family stomps on any cynicism and proves an entertaining and moving little film.
Well worth leaving the latest yawnsome Hollywood blockbuster behind for a night, with the film getting a limited release for one week in selected Cineworld cinemas investing your hard-earned dosh in a viewing will feed your soul as well as the souls of the team that have so lovingly produced this little gem.
Just one piece of advice, eat before you go, the fish and chips look delicious.