Watch Cloudy Sunday

Cloudy Sunday is a 2015 Greek drama film directed by Manoussos Manoussakis. The movie is based on a novel by the same name, written by its executive producer, George Skarbadonis. The story is an emotional journey of love, loss, and resilience that revolves around the devastating events that took place in Thessaloniki during the Second World War.

The plot begins in 1942 in Thessaloniki, Greece, which is under the occupation of the Nazis. In this city, the Jewish community is forced to live in the ghetto and suffer under the Nazi rule. The protagonist, Nessim (Giannis Stankoglou), is a passionate Jewish musician who runs a popular nightclub in the city. He falls in love with a beautiful Christian woman, Estrea (Sofia Kokkali), who frequents his nightclub. Their love story is forbidden in a society where Jews and Christians cannot mix, and their relationship becomes complicated as the war progresses.

As the Nazi oppression intensifies, Nessim's life gets tangled in a web of violence, fear, and loss. The Nazis raid his nightclub, and he is arrested and imprisoned along with his friends and many other Jews in the ghetto. While Estrea tries to find a way to help Nessim and his friends, Nessim's father (Vasilis Bisbikis) uses his connections with the German authorities to secure their release. However, their freedom is short-lived, and they are soon forced to flee for their lives.

The film portrays the horrors of the Nazi occupation, the constant fear, and the helplessness that the Jews felt during this time. Their daily life in the ghetto is heart-wrenching, with the lack of food, medicine, and shelter. The filmmakers paint a vivid picture of the brutalities of the Nazi regime, including the mass executions of Jews and the harrowing journey to the concentration camps.

Cloudy Sunday is a story of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Nessim's love for Estrea and his music gives him the strength to endure the hardships and emerge stronger. Along with his father, he fights to protect his loved ones and friends, demonstrating the power of human compassion and sacrifice. The film also explores the theme of interfaith relationships, the tragedy of war, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

The performances in the film are exceptional, with Giannis Stankoglou delivering a heartfelt performance as Nessim. He portrays the character's pain and vulnerability with sensitivity, making the audience connect with him emotionally. Sofia Kokkali, who plays Estrea, is equally brilliant, adding depth to her character with her nuanced portrayal. The supporting cast, including Andreas Konstantinou, Gerasimos Skiadaressis, and Vasilis Bisbikis, also deliver memorable performances, bringing to life the characters' struggles and triumphs.

The cinematography of the film is outstanding, capturing the essence of the time and place with breathtaking visuals. The attention to detail and the use of light and shadow create a haunting ambiance that lingers long after the film ends. The film's score, composed by Stefanos Korkolis, elevates the emotional impact of the scenes, adding depth and richness to the film.

In conclusion, Cloudy Sunday is a poignant and powerful film that explores the themes of love, loss, and resilience during the Nazi occupation of Greece. The exceptional performances, stunning cinematography, and beautiful score make it a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas. The film is not only a tribute to the victims of war but also a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Cloudy Sunday is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.