l_rawjalaurence Set in and around suburban London, PAPADOPOULOS AND SONS focuses on the fortunes of Harry (Stephen Dillane) as he falls from being an award-winning self-made millionaire into a fish-and-chip-shop owner. Along the way he re-encounters brother Theo (Thomas Underhill) with whom he has not spoken for several years, and discovers that family loyalty and daily industry are more important ingredients for happiness rather than filthy lucre.A familiar tale, no doubt; but one that is given particular poignancy by its background. The Papadopoulos family came to Britain in the wake of the Cyprus civil war in 1974; only two of the three brothers survived, and their childhood experiences still scar their adult lives. The fact that a Turkish Cypriot family, headed by Hasan (George Savvides) owns a kebab shop opposite the fish-and- chip-shop is something rather disturbing for the Papadopulos family, reminding them of past conflicts.Yet director Marcus Markou seems uncertain as to whether he wants to explore the family's traumas in detail or to exploit the material for knockabout laughs. Harry's business associate Rob (Ed Stoppard) comes across as a figure of fun, so obsessed with money that he cannot appreciate any other values. In the end employee Sophie (Cosima Shaw) an American divorcée becomes so tired of Rob's posturing that she quits her job and opts for a life of drudgery in the chip shop.In the end all turns out well, as the family, their friends and the Turkish Cypriots indulge in a Greek dance in the street outside the shop. But we cannot help but feel that Markou has shied away from exploring his material and his characters in greater depth so as to provide a happy ending.

anthony-727 I have just had the misfortune to watch this, how it got green lit I have no idea, it is stilted beyond belief and ham acted over an awful or even woeful script. I would not say a bad word about the actors as it has to be the editor, director and writers fault... But mainly the Producers for green lighting.The only saving grace was some good music and some well shot scenes. But that's it... At 109 minutes, you feel every single one of them. It's pacing is unbelievably slow and laboured. Once again back to the above - with pauses longer than a Chekov play and as a consequence render the opportunity for comedy impossible.

Katrin (Clifton-K) For those who want more from Stephen Dillane than seeing him in supporting TV roles as in John Adams, Hunted, Secret State and Game of Thrones, this is the film to pick. Papadopolous and Sons' story can be told in less than a minute. It may neither have the most original conflict nor a remarkable solution. (Of becoming poor it only shows the more beautiful aspects.) But there's something organic in the writing and the acting that makes you smile and not care about it. It's life! And it feels like life. P&S shows Mr Dillane's qualities more than anything else that I've recently seen. This may be due to his unpredictability in acting. I don't know any other actor who so much doesn't look like "acting". And on a leading role this talent even thrives. Thankfully P&S also provides us with Frank Dillane in his first bigger role after Harry Potter's Tom Riddle moment. A very promising debut from writer/director Marcus Markou.

AIDAN CROWLEY Recently viewed a screening of this new indie film from the UK and was most impressed with the picture. The cast is wonderful and in particular Georges Corraface. This film hails back to the days when film was much simpler with excellent actors telling a wonderful story from a sharp script. One is reminded of another era such as Mackendrick in Ealing Studios creating wonderful ensemble films of quality. This is certainly a British Sleeper that should have a wide release in the cinemas. Much praise must be laid on the shoulders of director Marcus Markou who crafts the film with discerning restraint and artistry avoiding unnecessary pathos.