Is Hippie-Hippie Matala! Matala! Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2013 release of Hippie-Hippie Matala! Matala! stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into It was in the 60s when Matala, a poor, fishing village in southern Crete, gained worldwide fame with reports in the international press and became the “controversial point” of local society, causing the wrath of the church and the intervention of the military regime in Athens. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "It was in the 60s when Matala, a poor, fishing village in southern Crete, gained worldwide fame with reports in the international press and became the “controversial point” of local society, causing the wrath of the church and the intervention of the military regime in Athens. Hippies from all over the world lived in the famous caves of Matala, forming a unique international community, whose loose and alternative lifestyles provoked the morals of the time. Who were these young people? What brought them to Matala? What was their relationship with the locals? Did orgies really take place? The answers are given by the – nowadays almost septuagenarian – protagonists of the story: Arn and Elmar from Germany, the British sisters Shirley and Pam, Greek musician Dimitris Poulikakos, grandma Alexandra and grandma Katerina, and George, a poor fisherman and a friend of Joni Mitchell from way back."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Dimitris Poulikakos delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Documentary acting at its most potent.

The direction by Giorgos Varelas is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 75 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Hippie-Hippie Matala! Matala! truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Hippie-Hippie Matala! Matala! explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Giorgos Varelas respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Hippie-Hippie Matala! Matala! is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dimitris Poulikakos or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Hippie-Hippie Matala! Matala! is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.