Actor John Hurt, Cinematographer John Toll lift up the film

Rating: 6/10 (5 August 2004)

The movie is a tolerably good love story to watch.
However, John Hurt (Dr Iannis) lifts the film from sinking into mediocrity, even though much of his face is hidden behind a thick moustache. Hurt commands attention with subtle expressions, not overacting as other actors are prone to do.
John Toll's camerawork may not match up to his work in "The Thin Red Line" but his flashes of brilliance are just breathtaking. One shot that bore his stamp was the profile of Cruz and her Greek boyfriend taken with no light falling in them, but with the light in the background. Toll and Sven Nykvist (The Seventh Seal) have much in common. Both are great cinematographers.
Irene Papas' character never developed--what a waste of good talent--thanks to the lackluster script.
The music is neither bad nor uplifting--one expected much more in a film with a musical instrument in the title.
All in all the movie only proves that John Madden is not a top rung director; yet his choice of actors and crew is commendable.