It's been said a million times before, but the saying is true: Anthony Quinn was born to play Zorba. He's a ball of energy, spewing witticisms, dancing intermittently, romancing every skirt that crosses his path, eating and drinking everything in sight. In my opinion, he was robbed of his Best Actor Oscar by Rex Harrison, who's stuffy, uptight performance in My Fair Lady somehow bested this - the epitome of living life to the fullest. This film should be commended not only for Quinn's exuberant performance, but the quiet intensity of Irene Papa's haunting beautiful Widow character - you won't soon forget her after seeing this film, and I'm rather surprised I haven't seen more of her based on this performance. I read that there are those who love this film, and those who
pretend not to love this film - I think that sums it up brilliantly.