Eternity and a Day

Eternity and a Day

Year: 1999

Runtime: 137 min

Language: Greek

Director: Theodoros Angelopoulos

Drama

A celebrated writer grapples with his own mortality while striving to finish the works of a deceased poet. He becomes involved in the life of a young boy, attempting to safeguard him from a precarious situation. Through this experience, he reflects on the fleeting nature of both life and artistic creation, ultimately seeking a lasting impact beyond his own existence.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Eternity and a Day yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Eternity and a Day (1999) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Eternity and a Day (1999) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet, sun‑baked port city where the sea stretches like an endless memory, the world moves at a measured, almost ceremonial pace. The streets echo with distant music and the scent of salted air, while the looming silhouettes of aging mansions hint at histories that have long since softened. This is a place where art and everyday life intertwine, and the lingering light of a single day feels both intimate and eternal, setting a contemplative tone that invites the viewer to linger on each lingering frame.

Alexander, a celebrated writer now advanced in years, occupies a spacious yet weary house that feels like a repository of his own past. He spends his mornings in an armchair, nursing coffee, a loyal dog at his feet, and the soft hum of a forgotten song drifting from a neighboring window. His housekeeper, Urania, provides a steady, affectionate presence, reminding him gently of the passing of time. Haunted by the loss of his wife, Anna, and the weight of unfinished manuscripts—including a revered poem he longs to complete—he faces the stark reality of his mortality with a mixture of resignation and quiet determination.

Amid this reflective solitude, a chance encounter with a young boy—barely older than a child, clutching a too‑large yellow parka—introduces a subtle ripple into Alexander’s routine. The boy’s precarious situation, hinted at through his nervous glances and hurried attempts to navigate the bustling traffic, awakens in Alexander a paternal instinct and a desire to offer protection. Their brief interaction, marked more by shared silences than words, suggests the emergence of an unlikely mentorship that could illuminate both their lives.

The film unfolds as a lyrical meditation on the fleeting nature of existence and creation. Its long, patient shots and lingering soundscape amplify the feeling that each moment is both a whisper of the past and a seed for something enduring. As Alexander contemplates the impermanence of his own day, the audience is invited to consider how art, love, and human connection can stretch beyond the constraints of time, leaving a resonance that lingers long after the final sunrise.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:54

Unlock the Full Story of Eternity and a Day

Don't stop at just watching — explore Eternity and a Day in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Eternity and a Day is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Eternity and a Day Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Eternity and a Day, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Eternity and a Day Summary

Eternity and a Day Timeline

Track the full timeline of Eternity and a Day with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Eternity and a Day Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Eternity and a Day

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Eternity and a Day. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Eternity and a Day

More About Eternity and a Day

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Eternity and a Day: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Eternity and a Day

Similar Movies to Eternity and a Day

Discover movies like Eternity and a Day that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.