NIKOS KOUNDOUROS

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BB

Original title:  Mikres Afrodites

Alternate title:  The Sign Of Aphrodite

Greece, 1963.  Anzervos, Minos Films.  Screenplay by Kostas Sfikas, Vasilis Vasilikos, based on the play Dafnis kai Hloi by Longus, Theokritos.  Cinematography by Giovanni Varriano.  Produced by Nikos Koundouros, Giorgos Zervos.  Music by Yannis Markopoulos.  Costume Design by Nikos Koundouros.  Film Editing by Giorgos Tsaoulis.  

Overly strange art film from Greece has no direct storyline, only a collection of beautiful images and romantic situations. In an ancient setting, a ragged shepherd tries to win the affection of a buxom maid, while further down the path a shy young boy attracts the interest of a spunky teenage girl. Repetitive and shallow in its contemplation, the film is absolutely lovely but goes nowhere.

Berlin Film Festival Award: Best Director (Nikos Koundouros)