The Weeping Meadow (2004) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language

2004 · 169 mins · Greek

Loading streaming availability…

Directed by

Theo Angelopoulos

Starring

Alexandra Aidini, Alex Moukanos, Foulis Boudouroglou, Mihalis Giannatos, Nikos Poursanidis, Thalia Argyriou

The first part of an unfinished trilogy follows Greek immigrants from Odessa who arrive near Thessaloniki in 1919. Led by the charismatic Spyros, they settle in a river delta, where Spyros’ son Alexis and orphan Eleni form an intense bond, bearing twins later given to a foster family. Spyros opposes their love, intending to marry his foster daughter, prompting the young couple to flee persecution. Alexis joins itinerant musicians heading for the United States, while Eleni regains custody of the twins. The film weaves personal tragedy with the broader turmoil of the 1935 workers’ demonstrations, Metaxas’ fascist regime, forced emigration, and the 1944‑1949 civil war.