The new film by Christopher Papakaliatis conquered -as was expected- the greek box office during the holiday season, competing with the major international blockbuster “Star Wars: the Force Awakens”.
The film cut 242,334 tickets throughout Greece, during its first two weeks of release, while the latest installment of the Star Wars franchise – which opened one week later – cut 137,128.
“Worlds Apart” had a very impressive opening, cutting 95,343 tickets in 158 screens in Greece, a huge number for the Greek box office, which has suffered in the recent years, due to the recession.
It is worth noting that the new film of Papakaliatis’, did a little worse than An (If), his previous film released in 2012. If had done over 98,000 tickets in the first four days of its release. In fact, the film was in 2012 the best opening of the years 2010-2012.
Apart from a commercial success, Papakaliatis’ latest venture is has also gained favourable reviews. The film presents three stories about love in Athens that suffers from economic and ethical crisis. In the first, a greek student falls in love with a refugee from Syria who saves her life. In the second, a business executive whose job is on the line, falls in love with a north european woman who has come to Greece, in order to downsize a company. In the third, a housewife (Maria Kavogianni) meets every week at the supermarket a German historian (Oscar winner J.K. Simmons) who talks to her about philosophy and love.
“Worlds apart” is one of the few movies to come from Greece to describe the current reality in the country, in a way that seems to captivate audiences.
The presence of J.K. Simmons has helped the film’s international aspirations, as the actor delivers an admirable performance; his chemistry with Maria Kavogianni is perfect, as critics agree that the actress is more than his equal in this part of the film.
As the box office battle goes on, all eyes are set on whether the film can travel abroad, spreading its message from Greece to the world.