The Weeping Meadow (2004)

This is the first installment in an ongoing story about the Greek people. The film opens in 1919, as Greek immigrants from Odessa arrive near Thessaloniki. Under the leadership of the compelling Spyros, they found a new community in a river delta. Among the new arrivals are Spyros’ son Alexis and Eleni, an orphan from Odessa. A deep, intense connection forms between the teenagers, leading to twins who are placed with a foster family. Adding to their difficulties, Spyros intends to marry his foster daughter. The young lovers decide to escape the village, pursued by Spyros, and begin a life in exile. As Alexis joins a group of musicians heading to the United States, Eleni regains custody of the twins. Angelopoulos, as in his other films, examines the hardships faced by ordinary people during the 1935 workers' protests, the oppressive rule of Metaxas’ fascist government, forced emigration to America, and the Greek Civil War of 1944-1949.