Latest Cinema Releases: What To See in Athens Dec. 12-18

Kraven the Hunter (2024)

The sixth installment in Spider-Man’s universe, Kraven the Hunter is a standalone origin story that delves into the making of one of Marvel’s most infamous supervillains. Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff, better known as Kraven, is the son of ruthless Russian aristocrat Nikolai Kravinoff (played by Russell Crowe). The narrative centers on the emotional abuse Kraven suffered as a child, setting him on a brutal path of vengeance. His journey leads to his ultimate transformation into the world’s most feared hunter.

Director: J. C. Chandor
Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, Russell Crowe
Language: English
IMDB rating: 5.6/10
Production country: The United States
Where to watch: Athinaion, Aigli 3D digital, Village cinemas (The Mall, Pangrati, Metro Mall, Rentis), Cinemax (Nirvana, Aello, Nana, Kifissia), Sporting digital cinema, Anoixi Art cinema, WestCity cinemas, Options Cinemas (Glyfada, Ilion)

Here (2024)

What stories could a single room tell? Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, 1994) presents Here, a drama that unfolds entirely within the living room of an American home. The film portrays a generational saga of families who experience love, loss, laughter, and life within the space. Weaving interconnected narratives, Here reflects on the broader history of the United States, offering a profound exploration of place and memory.

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly
Language: English
IMDB rating: 6.2/10
Production country: United States
Where to watch: Galaxias cinema, Cinemax (Nirvana, Aello, Nana, Kifissia), Avana, Village cinemas (The Mall, Pangrati, Metro Mall, Rentis), Sporting digital cinema, WestCity cinemas, Options Cinemas (Glyfada, Ilion), Varkiza cinema, Zea cinema

The End (2024)

After two Oscar-nominated documentaries (The Act of Killing, 2012, and The Look of Silence, 2014), director Joshua Oppenheimer returns with The End, an apocalyptic musical. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, a wealthy family lives in a luxurious home inside a salt mine. Their son, isolated from the ravaged outside world, has never seen the light of day.

Director: Joshua Oppenheimer
Cast: Tilda Swinton, George MacKay, Moses Ingram, Bronagh Gallagher, Tim McInnerny, Lennie James, Michael Shannon
Language: English
IMDB rating: 6.1/10
Production countries: Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden
Where to watch: Astor, Galaxias cinema, Newman cinema, Zea cinema

Dirty Angels (2024)

Set during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Dirty Angels tells the gripping story of a group of female soldiers posing as medics. Their covert mission is to rescue kidnapped children trapped between ISIS and the Taliban. Directed by Martin Campbell, the New Zealand filmmaker known for Casino Royale (2006), the film promises intense action and heartfelt drama.

Director: Martin Campbell
Cast: Eva Green, Maria Bakalova, Ruby Rose, Jojo T. Gibbs
Language: English
IMDB rating: N/A
Production countries: United States
Where to watch: Village cinemas (The Mall, Pangrati, Metro Mall, Rentis), Options Cinemas (Ilion)

Wisdom of Happiness (2024)

Swiss directors Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis present a poignant documentary on the Dalai Lama, likely one of his final appearances on the big screen. Wisdom of Happiness chronicles the spiritual leader’s extraordinary life, sharing his urgent message about inner peace and the potential for a harmonious 21st century.

Director: Barbara Miller , Philip Delaquis
Cast:The Dalai Lama
Language: English
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
Production countries: United States
Where to watch: Elli cinema, Danaos

Andriesh (1954)

Rediscover Soviet filmmaker Sergei Parajanov’s debut feature, Andriesh. This enchanting tale follows a young shepherd boy whose flock is stolen by the evil sorcerer Black Whirlwind. With the help of a magical flute gifted by the warrior Vainovan, Andriesh embarks on a heroic journey to save them.

Director: Sergei Parajanov
Cast: Giuli Chokhonelidze, Konstantin Russu, Nodar Shashigoglu
Language: Russian (Greek subtitles)
IMDB rating: 6.3/10
Production country: Soviet union
Where to watch: Studio New Star art cinema

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)

Set 183 years before Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy, The War of the Rohirrim is an anime fantasy film directed by Japanese filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama. The story chronicles the legendary King Helm Hammerhand and his family as they defend Rohan from an army of Dunlendings. The film delves into the origins of Helm’s Deep, one of Middle-earth’s most renowned fortresses.

Director: Kenji Kamiyama
Cast: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, Miranda Otto
Language:
IMDB rating: 6.8/10
Production countries: United States, Japan
Where to watch: Athinaion, Aigli 3D digital, Village cinemas (The Mall, Pangrati, Metro Mall, Rentis), Tria Asteria 3D digital, Elize cinema, Cinemax (Nirvana, Aello, Nana, Kifissia), Sporting digital cinema, Anoixi Art cinema, Lampros Konstantaras, WestCity cinemas, Options Cinemas (Glyfada, Ilion)

David Lynch Tribute

The Athens International Film Festival (AIFF) pays homage to acclaimed director David Lynch with David Lynch Remastered. Though health issues now confine him to his home, Lynch has personally overseen stunning digital restorations of his groundbreaking films. This one-of-a-kind tribute showcases his masterpieces in dazzling 4K editions, never before screened in Greece.