Brides

Greece 2004

Picture and details abc

Seen 16 September 2006

A love that is not meant to be. Norman Harris, an out of job photographer meets Niki, a Greek mail order bride on the ship going to New York. She is among 700 mail order brides from Greece and other parts of impoverished Europe during the 1920s sailing the Atlantic on their journey to meet their intended husbands. Niki, the main character in the film, is herself a substitute bride, replacing her younger sister who came back to Greece. Niki is a very proud woman, committed to her task, upholding the family name despite her feelings towards Norman. We also get a glimpse of the shenanigans of those in power over the lives of these women. There are also some who turn a blind eye to the tragic fate endured by some of the mail order brides. They live by the philosophy that a few sacrificial lambs is a necessary evil in order for the flock to survive. The most memorable scene to me is when Norman tries to lace up Niki's shoes. The focus on the shoe laces undone, Norman's hesitant hands, the shoes withdrawn under Niki's skirt, the shoes coming out again. Ahhh, love.

Did I also mention the soundtrack, a haunting solo violin in some parts, accompanied by piano in other scenes. There is also the oud played by one of the brides and most often accompanied by an ethereal voice lamenting love lost and those left behind. Tagline: It's not a punishment to remember someone you love. The punishment is to forget him.