Eleni (1985)

Synopsis: This poignant drama is based on Nicholas Gage's angry nonfiction book about his mother's execution during the Greek Civil War. John Malkovich stars as Gage, a civil war survivor who worked in... This poignant drama is based on Nicholas Gage's angry nonfiction book about his mother's execution during the Greek Civil War. John Malkovich stars as Gage, a civil war survivor who worked in Greece as a journalist for the New York Times, hoping to uncover the truth about Eleni's (Kate Nelligan) death and exact revenge against those responsible. As Gage returns to his homeland and the various scenes of heinous war crimes, he is deeply moved by the memories of his mother's devotion and ultimate sacrifice. Gage's boyhood experience of the war and his mother's eventual execution are conveyed in a series of haunting flashbacks. The tragedy took place in the months following World War II, when communist soldiers flooded Eleni's small village. Ultimately, Gage does confront the man responsible for condemning Eleni, but the experience proves different from his expectations. Kate Nelligan gives a tour-de-fource performance in director Peter Yates's compelling tale of a country and family ripped apart by war. [More]

Starring: Kate Nelligan, John Malkovich, Linda Hunt, Oliver Cotton

Starring: Kate Nelligan, John Malkovich, Linda Hunt, Oliver Cotton

Director: Peter Yates

Director: Peter Yates

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