Little England

Set against the scenic and historical backdrop of the idyllic Greek island of Andros during the 1930’s and 1940’s, Little England is a rich melodrama-cum-romance film directed by Pantelis Voulgaris that engrossingly and vividly brings to life the entangled lives of two sisters who fall in love with the same man. The film stars Penelope Tsilika, Sofia Kokkali, and Aneza Papadopoulou, who deliver compelling performances as they navigate the layered complexities of love, loss and a rigid societal structure that restricts the expression of their desires and ambitions.

The film opens with the arrival of the handsome ship captain, Spyros Maltabes, played by Andreas Konstantinou, who soon becomes the object of infatuation for Orsa Saltaferou (Penelope Tsilika), the elder of the two Saltaferou sisters. However, their love is stifled by both social norms and the domineering matriarch, Mina Saltaferou (Aneza Papadopoulou), who is a woman of a certain stubbornness and practicality shaped by her tumultuous life experiences as a sea captain's wife.

Mina, who after suffering the psychological toils and frustrations of her husband's long absences at sea, decides to arrange the marriage of her eldest daughter to an older but wealthier captain. Despite Orsa's silent protests and concealed love for Spyros, she obeys her mother's wishes entering into a loveless marriage.

Time passes and with it comes the return of Spyros to the island. He is introduced to Moscha, the younger Saltaferou sister (Sofia Kokkali), they quickly fall in love and get married. Unbeknownst to him, he's wedded the sister of his true love, while Orsa, who still holds the torch for Spyros, is forced to live under the same roof with her love and her sister. The plot thereby centers around this triangular relationship and an unsaid secret, which propels the narrative with fervor, coaxing viewers to invest themselves emotionally in the simmering tension between the characters.

Throughout its runtime, Little England unfurls a tapestry of family bonds, forbidden love, societal constraints, and female resilience. Director Pantelis Voulgaris delves deep into a time and place where societal norms were ironclad, and women were confined by the structures laid out by men who themselves had succumbed to the whims of the sea. Yet, even within these restrictions, the film manages to portray its female characters as compelling, resilient, and full of depth, highlighting their struggles, their sacrifices, and their silent rebellions.

Furthermore, the film’s detailed period setting makes for a captivating viewing experience. The island's landscape is a breathtaking view of crystal-clear waters, white houses, and narrow cobbled streets, beautifully captured by the film's cinematographer, Simos Sarketzis. In contrast, the interiors depict a rich tapestry of traditional Greek decor and local culture, from the vintage furnishings to the elaborate costumes and household chores.

The title 'Little England' underlines Andros’ economic success during the mid-20th century with comparisons to Britain’s economic stronghold over the high seas. It's a film that beautifully intertwines the deeply personal human conflicts with the greater socio-economic landscape of that time.

Little England is a well-crafted film, beautifully shot, powerfully written, and impeccably performed by all the ensemble cast. At its heart, it’s a family drama about routined lives shaped by a patriarchal, maritime culture, but it also narrates a tale of the human capacity for love and endurance, surrender and resilience, silence and regret. The story boldly brings to life a snapshot of a Greek society that may seem distant in time and ethos, yet it resonates starkly with universal themes that wrap the viewer in its emotional tumult. A must-watch for those who love period dramas and romance sagas.