The Last Note

The Last Note. It is a 2017 Greek historical drama film directed by Pantelis Voulgaris and written by Voulgaris and Ioanna Karystiani. The film depicts the final days of 200 Greek communist political prisoners executed by the occupying German forces at the Kaisariani firing range in Athens in May 1944. Focusing on the condemned prisoners' solidarity and humanity, the narrative is anchored by the real-life figure of Napoleon Soukatzidis, a Cretan who chose to die with the others despite having a chance to escape. The film premiered at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and was selected as the Greek entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Plot

In May 1944, within the confines of the Averof Prison in Athens, 200 political prisoners, primarily members of the Greek Resistance and the Communist Party of Greece, are informed they are to be executed in reprisal for the killing of a German general by ELAS fighters. The narrative follows their final days, showcasing acts of defiance, camaraderie, and the maintenance of dignity in the face of certain death. Central to the story is Napoleon Soukatzidis, a prisoner from Crete who, due to a bureaucratic error in his paperwork, is offered a reprieve by the German prison commander, Lt. Colonel Walter Sturm. Soukatzidis refuses to abandon his comrades and joins the group transported to the Kaisariani execution ground. The film culminates in the mass execution, intercut with the prisoners singing the resistance anthem "People's Army" as they face the firing squad.

Production

The project was conceived by director Pantelis Voulgaris, known for his historical dramas like ''The Daughter'' and ''Brides'', who co-wrote the screenplay with his frequent collaborator and wife, novelist Ioanna Karystiani. Research was heavily based on historical archives and testimonies surrounding the Kaisariani executions. Principal photography took place on location in Greece, with the Averof Prison scenes filmed at the actual, now-defunct prison facility. The production was a collaboration between the ERT public broadcaster and the Greek Film Centre, with Giannis Iakovidis serving as producer. The cast was led by Andreas Konstantinou as Napoleon Soukatzidis, with German actor André Hennicke portraying the conflicted Lt. Colonel Walter Sturm.

Release

The Last Note had its world premiere as the opening film of the 58th Thessaloniki International Film Festival in November 2017. Its theatrical release in Greece followed shortly after, distributed by Odeon. The film was subsequently screened at numerous international festivals, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Hellenic Film Society USA festival in New York City. In September 2017, it was officially selected by the Hellenic Film Academy as Greece's submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (then Best Foreign Language Film), though it was not nominated.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from Greek critics, who praised its solemn direction, powerful performances, and its treatment of a painful chapter in modern Greek history. It was seen as a dignified memorial to the victims of the Kaisariani executions. Performance accolades included a Best Actor award for Andreas Konstantinou at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Internationally, critics noted its stark, unflinching portrayal of sacrifice and its resonance within the broader context of World War II atrocities. The film performed solidly at the Greek box office, resonating with audiences familiar with the historical events. It was nominated for multiple awards at the Hellenic Film Academy Awards.

Legacy

The film stands as a significant cinematic commemoration of a pivotal moment in the Greek Resistance during World War II, ensuring the story of the Kaisariani martyrs reaches a wider audience. It is frequently discussed in the context of other Greek historical dramas about the Occupation and the Greek Civil War, such as ''A Touch of Spice'' and ''The River''. The portrayal of Napoleon Soukatzidis's choice has entered the popular historical narrative in Greece as a symbol of ultimate solidarity. The film's selection as the Greek Oscar entry highlighted the international appeal of its universal themes of sacrifice and humanity under tyranny, contributing to the global discourse on films about Nazi war crimes and political imprisonment.

Category:2017 films Category:Greek historical drama films Category:Films about the Greek Resistance Category:Films set in World War II