This film is a character study of the highest order, Channel 4 made many movies in the early 80's, most have been forgotten but some have become timeless, sadly this beautifully crafted piece seems to be included in the former. The acting and plot are top notch, and you find yourself engrossed in every aspect, from the gorgeous scenery to the intrigues of the time (when western Europeans were sitting by like vultures over a crumbling Ottoman empire). Charles Dance plays a ruthless English conman, but instead of hating his cold and aloof mannerism, somehow you find yourself being drawn to his way of thinking. Helen Mirren is as dependable as always, and Ben Kingsley, playing a double-dyed, almost treacherous, half Greek, spy for the Ottoman authorities, manages to repulse and sympathise in equal measure. A very satisfying movie.
Review of Pascali's Island
