Somewhere in a small village of early-1960s Chios, as yet another challenging school year is drawing to a close, the mischievous fourth-graders and bosom buddies since first grade, Yannis and Vagelis, can’t wait to be off on their vacation. However, an unfortunate incident combined with a minor misunderstanding will pave the way for an entirely different summer. As a result, the boys will have to go their separate ways; one assists his mother during the dog days of summer in the harvesting of the mastic resin, while the other, takes great joy in roaming the empty streets of the community, trying to escape from his despotic mother. Nevertheless, once a friend, always a friend. Why should a petty fault stop that, and blemish an unforgettable summer of fun, adventure, and above all, innocence?
(Nick Riganas)
“The Tree We Hurt” is a Period Drama film, written and directed by Dimos Avdeliodis.
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IMDb rating: 7,0/10
Original Title: Το δένδρο που πληγώνουμε
Cast:
Yannis Avdeliodis
Nikos Mioteris
Marina Delivoria
Katerina Kyriakodi
Dimos Avdeliodis
Movie Trivia:
1. The title refers to the procedure of extrating the Mastic (aka the “Tears of Chios”), the resin of the Mastic trees, which grow only in the island of Chios.Mastic is excreted by the resin glands of the Mastic trees – causing them to “bleed” – and dries into pieces of brittle, translucent resin. When chewed, the resin softens and becomes a bright white and opaque gum. The flavor is bitter at first, but after some chewing, it releases a refreshing flavor similar to pine and cedar. It is heavily used in sweets and other treats such as chewing gum.
2. The film was shot entirely on location on the greek island of Chios, where the director spent his junior years. The film’s plot is basicaly a reconstruction of his childhood memories, hence it’s abstract character with a little dialogue.
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