Love, Greece and the Movies
by Weam Namou
I was nineteen years old when I first watched Shirley Valentine, a comedy about a 42 year old bored housewife in England who takes a trip to Greece and while on holiday, decides to change her life forever. As a result of the beautiful scenery of the Greek islands in this film and the message it gave, that we should love ourselves and go after what we really love before it’s too late, I began following my desire to travel – first and foremost to Greece.
Today I went to the Main Arts Theater and enjoyed watching an intelligent and mesmerizing film. Before Midnight is an American romance drama film and the sequel to Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). It takes place in Greece and it’s about a couple who ironically are in their early forties (guess I have this thing for the 40s). This couple gets a little time off from their twin daughters and end up confronting each other with some interesting conversation that challenges the questions of commitment and acceptance.
It was exciting to see that such wholesome smart stories still get created, even though they are put in one theater. It’s unfortunate that only certain types of people go to see them. Today, for instance, the majority of the twenty audience members watching this film had grey hair. Still, all that really matters is that they are being made and there is an audience for them!
Cultural Glimpse 
Oldest daughter and her hubby went to Greece one year for their vacation, before kids. Love her photos. It’s one of the places I long to go. I read a Maeve Binchy book that takes place there and then really fell in love with it. Of course, the movie Mama Mia was filmed there as well. Not fortunate enough to have an art theater around us. But I have head of that movie series you mention. I wonder if they are available to rent at video stores?
I forgot about Mama Mia! Loved that movie too (again 40s theme – hmmm). I had not heard about the movie series until today, but was going to look into finding the first two somewhere. I will definitely let you know!
OMG! I have seen and loved all those movies (Shirley Valentine at least twice. “Chips and egg” lol). And Iqbal and I have a lifelong dream of going to Greece that is yet to materialize. Weam, you don’t say if you ever made it there?
I did make it there – twice! I know you’d love it if you ever got the chance to visit.