Small Crime

Small Crime, a Greek film that debuted in 2008, is a brilliant mix of comedy, romance and mystery. The film features Aris Servetalis, Vicky Papadopoulou, and Rania Oikonomidou in leading roles. A worthy product of director Christos Georgiou, Small Crime is an endearing story set in the blissful, picturesque scenery of a Cyprus village, a setting that adds another dimension to the cinematic experience.

The protagonist, Leonidas (Aris Servetalis), is a young ambitious cop looking to move up the ranks quickly. He dreams of handling high-profile, exciting cases like those of big city police investigators. However, circumstance has placed Leonidas in a picturesque remote village on a beautiful Greek island. Far from the bustling, crime-ridden streets, Leonidas finds himself dealing with trivial misdemeanours such as illegal fishing and minor disputes. The peaceful life of the island is a world away from the high-stakes action that fills his dreams.

Leonidas' tedious routine takes an unexpected turn when Zacharias, a local drunk and roamer, turns up dead at the bottom of a cliff. Leonidas sees this as an opportunity to pursue a real investigation, and despite the general consensus that the man's death was an accident, he is convinced otherwise. The story then follows our enthusiastic cop as he sets about unfolding the mystery behind what he believes is a "small crime".

Aris Servetalis gives a captivating performance as Leonidas, playing well the innocent enthusiasm and unwavering determination of his character. His dreams of being a city detective are endearingly naive, and his steadfast belief in a crime where the villagers see only senseless tragedy serves to amplify the humour of the situation.

The film presents an interesting mix of characters who bring a variety of quirks and dynamics. Vicky Papadopoulou plays the role of Angeliki, a bar owner and caretaker for her mentally-ill brother. Angeliki is a beautiful, independent and tough woman who serves as an unexpected love interest for Leonidas. Papadopoulou's performance brings the amour and charm, adding an extra layer to the story. Rania Ekonomidou gives a solid performance as a local television reporter who aids Leonidas in his investigation.

Christos Georgiou skillfully develops each character, their relations, their past, their dreams, and their weaknesses. He cleverly intertwines several sub-plots, managing to maintain a sense of intrigue and romantic tension throughout the film. The light-hearted banter between village folk, Leonidas' incessant quest for clues, and his budding romantic interest in Angeliki are all seamlessly stitched together to create a coherent, engaging narrative that keeps the audience captivated.

Small Crime beautifully showcases the tranquility, charm, and vibrant community life of a Greek island. The serene setting offers a humorous contrast to Leonidas' desperate hunt for crime and action, further amplifying the comedic element of the film.

Georgiou has masterfully crafted a film that weaves together humour, romance, and mystery. The characters, despite their idiosyncrasies, are appealingly human and relatable. At its heart, Small Crime is a tale of dreams, ambitions, and the realization that life does not always lend itself to our whims.

The director's choice of a peaceful island setting, central to the film, is greatly impactful in the narrative. It highlights the dichotomy between the peaceful island life and Leonidas' longing for grandeur and adventure. The disparate worlds of Leonidas' dreams and his reality mesh in the film's narrative without feeling contrived or forced.

Perhaps significantly, Small Crime is a film that does not rely on dramatic confrontations or explosive action sequences to entertain. Instead, it thrives on situational comedy, quirky characters, and a charming romance. It’s a film that marries Greek humour with a heart-warming tale of adventure, making it a uniquely endearing piece of cinema.

In conclusion, Small Crime is a thoroughly entertaining film that beautifully combines comedy, romance, and mystery into one remarkable package. It is sure to charm any viewer with its enticing narrative, splendid acting, and charismatic setting.