I watched this a few days after finishing the book and maybe that was a bad idea. But aside from the countless ways in which it deviated from it plot-wise (which is understandable since the book's timeline is not the most adaptable, I can imagine) I just could not get behind this film's casting.

The 3 main actors just lacked the chemistry and levity that give Pelagia, Dr Iannis and Corelli their unique dynamic. Penelope Cruz just played too seriously. Mandras was given WAY too much screen time and importance, but I guess they chose do this because they had Christian Bale on board. The significance of the character Carlo and his [spoiler]sacrifice[/spoiler] is totally lost on the audience as we are given 0 time to get to know him or his backstory. The ending is whatever. I just feel like without all the elements and quirky characters that make the book magical, the movie just becomes a lacklustre piece of WWII content. I will say it was beautifully filmed and the locations looked incredible, it's just a pity. I would love to see another attempt that does the great book justice :')

Not knowing all of the historical background, the behavior of the Greeks in this film is not fully understandable, accepting Italians almost from the beginning of the occupation.

Drama, love, danger, Mr. Cage, Mrs. Cruz, Mr. Bale who else do you need? Maybe Mr. Travolta?

A well done and compelling movie. It is a shame the 4 main characters are neither Greek nor Italian, and are all speaking English, but they played their roles well, especially Penelope Cruz. Having read the book I was bracing myself for the ending, but they Hollywoodised it, which was lovely, but a shame.