Alex & Eve (2015) Poster

(2015)

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5/10
Aussie version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding
qui_j29 May 2020
This is a film that is full of stereotypes, utterly predictable but with a happy ending. It's all fluff but ultimately gets the message across that love conquers all. The odd thing is that both cultures, Lebanese and Greek, are very similar, it's only the religion that would get in the way. Lebanese Christians are Greek Orthodox but I guess that would not have made a good story!
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7/10
Better than expected
sildarmillion16 March 2021
I normally do not care for forbidden romance type stories, but this one captured my interest on two accounts: (1) the two leads are from very similar cultures, and (2) it is set in Australia.

The film is quite reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, however, that movie focused on two very different cultures. Alex & Eve are both from Mediterranean cultures, and the movie makes it a point to highlight the similarities and the slight differences over which the characters fight. (And of course there is the issue of religion and historical conflict, which creates the strife between the two cultures).

Next, it is an Australian production. I have had very limited exposure to Australian film or films set in Australia, so this was quite a treat. This particular story could have taken in any English speaking country with immigrant populations, but it adds a delightful Australian flavor that I haven't gotten elsewhere. (To be fair, I cannot speak to the authenticity of it.)

I was expecting it to follow the usual clichés (and it does actually to a large part) and to skirt over the genuine conflicts this kind of cross cultural marriage can pose. To the latter point, I was glad to see the film address them head on. There were some things that follow movie-logic though and is hard to take seriously. The film was able to give us a sense of the different immigrant experiences of both families, which felt authentic when comparing to my own. I somewhat wish they had something unexpected in store for the ending, but at the same time, this story needed a feel good ending. It didn't need to be so over-the-top though.

The movie does a decent job of depicting non-practicing characters clashing with their families who are devout. I personally relate to this. However, I do note that the movie is very much told from the lens of the non-traditionalist. From that lens, it is respectful of all sides, but from the lens of the devout, I don't think it would come off as particularly respectful.

Overall, I enjoyed it more than I expected, and I enjoyed it despite the terribly cliched plot and shenanigans.
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7/10
Enjoyable and entertaining even though predictable
mosquitocyn14 May 2022
Its an entertaining movie for an afternoon at home, you get a fair bit of laughs, enjoy the multi cultural aspects, a good dose of romance, beautiful catchy songs and good chemistry between the 2 leads. Yes, you most probably have seen the plot before in many inter-racial/religion romance movies but this movie still delivers on an entertainment level.
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A fun and delightful romantic comedy
Gordon-1130 November 2016
This film tells the story of a man of Greek heritage in Sydney, who is under much family pressure to get married with a Greek woman. He meets a charming Lebanese lawyer, and a cross cultural relationship ensues, much against both their family's wishes.

"Alex and Eve" is clichéd and predictable, but it works beautifully! I find them so cute and delightful together, and they just deserve each other. Their journey to be with one another is so funny that I enjoyed every minute of it! It tells a story of tolerance and acceptance, and it's so beautiful. The music and the dances are festive and cheery well, adding to the comedic atmosphere of the film. I really enjoyed it.
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1/10
Painfully Stupid
pvcleave@yahoo.com9 April 2019
This has got to be the most predictable stupid movie. The characters are all complete morons. The characters are so unlikeable, especially the supporting characters. The only bright spot are the few scenes with the students.

This movie really makes you realize how great Hallmark movies really are. They may be dumb, but at least they are enjoyable.
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1/10
Read the Review...!!!
shaby-7570828 October 2015
Guys only watch this movie if you want to be disappointed, its the most cliché, cheesy and awkward film ever. The people who have wrote reviews on this film are obviously very delusional or I believe they have watched a completely different film and are confused don't mind them, Or worst case scenario they actually enjoyed this terrible recording on camera they call a film I don't know how to comment all I can say is I pity the critics as they have probably never seen a good film before. This movie made me feel stressed and feel sorry for the actors as they seem uneasy throughout the entire film. Plain and simple this movie was just bad due to the poor directing, bad actors and the film soundtrack being played from a cheap CD ROM. I'm sorry but that's truth and I really don't know what else to say, don't believe me go watch it and ENJOY !!!!.
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8/10
Delightful and Cross Cultural Love Story
david-rector-8509221 October 2015
With 'Unindian', 'Learning to Drive' and now 'Alex & Eve' all receiving big screen releases in October in Australia at one time; the themes of love and unity in spite of cultural differences are being substantially explored. The American indie 'Learning to Drive' is about when opposites collide; whilst the other two Australian productions are love stories bringing two very different cultures together and finding hope and unity in often comical situations.

'Alex and Eve' is a really delightful film and a solid 8 out of 10 from me. It is a little less broad than 'Unindian', but still has its laughs from some obvious stereotypes and scenarios. Adapting his own play, Alex Lykos successfully brings his group of characters into urban settings and locations and seasoned director Peter Andrikidis, an award winner in television dramas, has extracted fine performances from a large and diverse cast. For me the star of the picture is the luminous Andrea Demetriades. I'd only seen her work on 'Janet King' a television legal drama, and instantly fell in love with her in this role. The actress has created a fully fleshed and believable character; giving her enough flaws but strengths to want an audience to barrack for her. Her co-lead Richard Brancatisano has a heroic journey to undertake here, and he performs the comic shtick as well as the gravitas required. This is often a laugh out loud comedy, as the larger than life supporting characters give the film heart as well as edge. I was particularly impressed with Tony Nikolakopoulos as the young man's father, and Zoe Carides, a veteran of stage and screen as his mostly even tempered wife.

My only criticisms are located in the teaching sequences and some of the dialogue and direction of the young cast playing the students. It defied plausibility for me, but there was so much else to embrace in this movie that it didn't detract too much. It is heartening to see so many movies and TV shows now dealing with multi cultural communities and in particular here, romance and love between people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed 'Alex & Eve' more than 'Unindian' (Brett Lee's leading role) as it felt weightier and with more comedic touches that hit the mark. I hope it finds an audience, and I know that for Andrea Demetriades it will be the first of many leading roles on screen. This is a well made, thoughtful and enjoyable movie.
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1/10
It's a thumbs down
supermalta30 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
So dull & very unrealistic. Why would a grown up man take love advice from teenagers!
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8/10
A good enjoyable romantic movie!
Irishchatter6 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I have to say, for an unrated movie, I found it very enjoyable. Yes it was rather silly at times, though it wasn't too bad. At least it wasn't like Romeo and Juliet, where they kill themselves in the end because of their families not agreeing with their love!

In the movie, Alex seemed to be a very outgoing Greek-Australian guy but what I couldn't understand was - why on earth did he ask his students to give him love advice? Does he have friends at all? That was kinda freaky because in reality, no teacher would tell their students their own personal life. Even though this is meant to be a romantic goofy story, the character should've been more stricter and reserved in my opinion. At least he's not a dumbass and stands up for himself when it comes to his family pressuring him to marry a Greek girl!

Eve doesn't seem to be that Lebanese girl you normally don't see. She really likes to show herself off even if she's not suppose to haha. She's quite the girly girl but at the same time, she's not a brave one as Alex is. She probably could do with opening up to get her parents, this would make them realise that they shouldn't make her marry the man she doesn't love, and marry Alex whom she is deeply in love with.

At least in the end, herself and Alex were whisked away as a married couple. They had to be together anyway, they were definitely meant for each other! I absolutely loved her headpiece as its beautiful and different♡

This movie was a pleasure to watch, it was different and it was good learning from different cultures between Lebanon & Greece together. It isn't one of my favorite movies I've seen but, I would advise anyone to watch it as it is watchable! I would give this film a 8/10.
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1/10
A HUGE INSULT TO ISLAM AND FILM MAKING
mohamedgamal-0766010 January 2019
This movie crossed a lot and a lot of red and BLACK lines just to get fame out of controversy ..IT IS JUST AN POOR IDEA.. no development. .no acting. no morality..no balance insults the Muslims with no shame
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8/10
Entertaining, small budget, Australian produced Comedy
christopherlesliebarrett14 October 2016
Take time to allow this feature to develop it's characters and you will become enthusiastic about this happy tale of conflicting cultures in modern day Sydney Australia. Once you have done this you will find yourself rooting for the two main characters of this piece.

The leads are very good in their portrayals of young first generation Australians from different religious backgrounds. Both have adjusted to their lives in modern Australian society whilst respecting their families cultures. This is at opposites to their families who may remain closer to the cultures of the 'old countries '. I say 'may' as their are a few surprises in this regard.

Supporting cast are also very good. Their faces are well known to Australian viewers from their extensive portfolio's in many many local productions of the past decades.

No one character steals this movie. No matter how large or small the character may be, each contributes to the overall success of this tale of 'Love conquers All in the End '.

The camera makes good use of light and openness, confined and darkened spaces, to help create the prevailing mood at various times during the production.

The director has brought out splendid performances from all characters.

Watch this movie through and you will be left with a good feeling inside. In fact, you'll want to see it again. I thoroughly recommend this feature to all.
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8/10
A Great Blend of Comedy and Drama
intothedrunk22 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"Alex and Eve" is a movie that combines comedy and drama despite being labelled as a comedy.

The movie does have touches of "Romeo and Juliet", "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and even "The Graduate" but this multicultural film is not a carbon copy of either of them.

Some ethnic Australian movies can be very clichéd, dated and predictable but most of the generalisations featured here are applicable to real life. The characters in the film are similar to the type of people that someone would see in multicultural Australia today, not just 30-40 years ago.

Some of the criticism from other reviews is that the scenes with the school kids seem fake or exaggerated but for anyone who has been around people of Lebanese descent, characters like these aren't completely made up.

Despite the romance between Alex and Eve, the ethnic theme of this movie, especially the tension between the two families, means that this will never fit the "rom-com" or "chick flick" tag and different kinds of people can enjoy the wild swing in emotions in this movie.
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10/10
Fun intercultural differences
chillizora14 May 2021
Quite enjoyed it - nice characters, clichée, but very relatable.

The ones that gave bad reviews are fundamentlust, coz she should have married as her family whishes.
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10/10
Memorable film,lots of laughs,powerful theme of social harmony
drjohnnyd23 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This

This film brings together stereotypes found in society, often based on reality, laughs at them and gets on with the job.

This film provokes laughter,emotions and thought.

This is the job of any film, and

This is what life is about

& laughter,emotions and thought make life memorable

disclosure i live in the areas where this was filmed,

Whilst others try to manage,legislate and complicate

These are our people and our kids trying to simplify and laugh at laughable issues and should applauded for doing so!

Bravo

Go see it, have a laugh and see how the funny side lives
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10/10
Love & Expectation (No Spoilers)
dishlady6927 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"The road to true love never did run smooth..." but nobody expected the path would be cobbled in baklava and good humor. This is a great film about the struggle to work past family assumptions in life and in love. Our group saw it at a recent film festival and it really struck a chord, especially for those who are caught between family/social expectations and our own thoughts on love, marriage and life in general. In the end, some of us like "Baklava" with walnuts and others like "Balawa" with pistachios... but we're all nuts. ;)

Two thumbs up. No spoilers. Go see this one!
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10/10
Pure Delight
madcap-625423 March 2018
Christopherlesliebarratt's review was superb and was the reason I chose to watch this. I was not disappointed. I quite love to watch Australian movies despite the lack of box office success. And there are so many actors in this with whom one is familiar. Because of the diversity of our Australian population there are many stories like this. Some sadly will not end this way but hope is a good thing. Situations like this have been happening for generations and I surmise it will happen more and more as our depth of heritage bases grows.
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8/10
It is not exactly comedy...
iamcostas13 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Generally I believe it is good movie with a happy end. It would be interesting to see a sequel because during the movie we heard some serious questions about the course of a marriage of two people of different religious background. Also in some part of the movie there was some short conversations about gays which of course is an other serious matter and it didn't have anything to do with the main story. The main story is about love. It is almost like Romeo and Juliet but fortunately it seems that the main characters live happily ever after. The happy couple wasn't so interested about faith and religious ceremonies, they are just interested to be and live together. I guess if they have differences during their marriage, they will find a way to balance or even to compromise to stay together for the rest of their their lives. It seems they are open minded and solve their problems and differences with deeply understanding and a little bit of humour. First of all , they are humans like everybody else. it is amazing the amount of pressure they both received from their environments and I thing only people who grew up in religious families could understand how horrible this pressure could be....
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Heartwarming and true to life film.
random-7077812 December 2019
I thought this was a pretty good film. It is quite funny in parts, and heartwarming as well, and well, romantic.

The only people not liking it here seem to be fundamentalists who are an every decreasing minority within Islam. E.G. reviewer "mohamedgamal-07660", who my guess is not in Australia, Canada or the US. Most third generation Muslims do not marry other Muslims. ESPECIALLY educated women are least likely to marry another Muslim. A huge portion of second generation (children of immigrants) do not as well. I am tying to figure out if this upsets the reviewer and what business it is of his anyway? How dare he call it an "insult to Islam" as if he is the arbiter of what Islam is or is not.

If you know anything about the region where these people come from , with its may places, eg, Alexandria, Beirut, Istanbul, etc that for hundreds and hundreds of years had people living together and often intermarrying. These places only recently became mono-cultural, and that is artificial.
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