A breezy account of how a Greek sailor, Varvakis (Sebastian Koch) survives the Greek Civil War, before ending up working out of a Russian brothel from where he discovers a method of preserving caviar. As trade with Greece booms, the money starts pouring in. Starting off with an older Varvakis secluded on an island chatting to McCormic (John Cleese), the clunky narrative is told in flashback and with a jaunty tone. There is not much to recommend as the story swings wildly from one set piece to another. Of minor note: Catherine Deneuve has a cameo appearance as Catherine the Great in director Iannis Smaragdis’ turgid tale. Criticwire grade: D [Kaleem Aftab]
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