Love’s Greek to Me Enlightens Us About Greek Traditions

Sometimes, you watch a film that you just discover so relatable.

Love’s Greek to Me was that form of film since many brides-to-be worry their moms or mother-in-laws taking up the marriage planning. Marina Siris excelled at enjoying a well-meaning however overly enthusiastic future mother-in-law wanting to incorporate household traditions.

Did her intentions carry her son and Ilana nearer collectively or drive a wedge between them?

In the film, Torrey DeVitto performs an anthropology professor named Ilana that’s all in favour of digging into the previous, besides her personal. Her dad and mom’ divorce left her cautious of relationships, even together with her long-time boyfriend, Mike (Yannis Tsimitselis).

I simply really feel like who you marry is the largest resolution you make in life.

Ilana

Being fascinated with Mike’s household ought to have ready her. Still, Ilana had by no means been round a big household earlier than, so she wasn’t used to being immediately invited into the fold or having invasive questions on grandbabies.

Right away, you may inform that Ilana was out of her component. She had solely handled Athena earlier than in small doses, and instantly, Athena was invading all of their plans with a whirlwind of power.

The Atlas household believed in honoring traditions, whether or not it meant Mike proposing on the actual location the place his dad proposed to his mother or working within the household lodge enterprise.

Ilana: So, you’re proposing?
Mike: Yes, and this place is particular as a result of it’s the place my father proposed to my mom. He stated she was the sunshine of his life, and once I met you, I felt the identical. You’re my gentle. So Ilana, will you marry me?

That’s the place the issue arose. Ilana wished to plan an intimate marriage ceremony together with her mom’s help, however Athena swooped in, placing Mike within the center.

This turns into sophisticated as a result of many brides have clear visions, however some groom’s households desire a say too. I keep in mind the chaos of planning my marriage ceremony.

This is an important day of your life, the day the whole lot adjustments, and also you bind your self collectively for all eternity. This is a day that ought to be celebrated, no expense spared, so I’m going to provide the greatest Greekest marriage ceremony ever.

Athena

That was the opposite concern. Even although that they had been collectively for 2 years, Mike and Ilana had by no means mentioned a lot about their future.

Ilana panicked when she noticed that Mike really wished to keep in Greece together with his household and assist run the enterprise.

He had by no means talked about feeling remoted from his household within the States earlier than, however he appeared at peace interacting with previous family and friends.

Mike: I spent a few years being Greek Mike. Here, I’m simply Mihalis. I would like to be married as I actually am.
Ilana: Well, I positively need you to really feel seen, particularly by me. But our marriage ceremony wants to be about each of us.

Suddenly, Ilana had to resolve if she might transfer internationally.

While “Love’s Greek to Me” was a rom-com, the 2 main girls lit up the display.

Initially, Athena appeared by no means to take no for a solution as she grated on Ilana’s nerves.

She booked the church with out asking, purchased Ilana a marriage robe when she particularly stated she wished her mother to design hers and organized a cake tasting.

Athena, please. You want to respect my boundaries.

Ilana

She was so humorous when she started speaking about grandbabies and that the primary grandchild was named after the paternal grandfather.

Unlike many future mothers-in-law, Athena wasn’t attempting to push Ilana away. She wished to welcome her into the fold with opens, only a bit too enthusiastically.

As the film went on, you may inform the distinction in interactions that Athena has with Mike’s sisters, Alex and Ilana, versus Ilena and her mom, Susie.

Alex loves her mom but additionally feels trapped in staying in Greece and serving to her with the enterprise due to household obligations. She envies Ilana, who’s shut mates together with her mother and asks her mother for all times recommendation.

Near the tip of the film, there is a shift in how Athena treats Alex when she asks her to be her enterprise companion on the new lodge. She’s very happy with her daughter.

Alex, Ilana, and Athena discovered useful classes about love and household. Since Ilana was additionally outspoken, she impressed Alex to change her thoughts about her marriage ceremony flowers and robe on the final minute, and Alex appeared gorgeous.

Athena lastly advised her daughter how a lot she cherished and revered her, then mended issues with Ilena.

She even invited Ilana’s mom to Greece, so Ilana had a shoulder to cry on whereas she dealt together with her relationship points.

Inviting Ilana’s mother to Greece simply confirmed that they felt like they have been a part of the household. It was an act of fine religion and hopefully helped Ilana understand that her mother might go to if she and Mike stayed there.

“Love’s Greek to Me” jogged my memory of different common movies, equivalent to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” or “Mamma Mia,” when an enthusiastic Greek mom owns a lodge in Greece and will get overly concerned within the marriage ceremony planning.

The Hallmark model labored since many scenes have been filmed on the Santorini coast, which means that Mike and Ilana visited precise landmarks within the movie.

Incorporating Greek mythology into the film was an attention-grabbing contact as nicely. The story of Aphrodite, her son Eros, and his spouse Psyche is a well known one which parallels the central theme.

You should respect Athena for recognizing that she behaved like a “monster-in-law” and striving to change and make things better between her and Ilana. She solely cared about her son’s happiness.

Chris and Alex’s marriage ceremony was attractive, and I cherished all of the Greek traditions, particularly the crowing ceremony.

Since each Alex and Chris and Mike and Ilana bought married, I think this can be a one-off, however there was no affirmation.

DeVitto and Tsimitselis have been pleasant as romantic scene companions, and Siritis shined as Athena Atlas. We’d love to see extra of the household as Mike and Ilana regulate to life in Greece.

We love to hear reader suggestions, so remark under if you would like to see extra of the Atlas household.

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