Absolutely loved the idea for the story, and love it when films take on a very personal approach. Something that 'America America' did and one can tell from as early on as the opening voice over. Elia Kazan made so many great films and seldom made a bad one (even his worst, for me between 'The Sea of Grass' and 'The Visitors', is not that bad), he was a fine director and an influential one. Especially in his distinctive directing of actors, and one of the best at it, and it is a shame that his politics and testimony harmed somewhat his reputation.

For me, 'America America' is not one of Kazan's best films and others have a bigger influence in film and on me. There is plenty though of what made Kazan so great a director and why his high regard was richly deserved. 'America America' to me was still a great film, perhaps his most personal out of all his films (almost auto-biographical, with it being based on the experiences of his own uncle) and it was very difficult to not admire it.

Inexperience at times shows in the acting of Stathis Giallelis, with there being times where he seemed unsure. When it comes to nit-picks regarding 'America America' that is pretty much it.

Giallelis mostly does very well in his role, not easy handling a big and difficult role so young but he does understated wonders in his best moments. Where Kazan also shows his great skill in how he managed to get the best out of his actors (much of the best of his performances from his films, in a list that includes Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, James Dean, are iconic), even those that were not always great or inexperienced. The rest of the acting is every bit as good, especially from Linda Marsh, Paul Mann and best of all Lou Antonio.

Kazan's direction is exemplary, keeping one riveted throughout the long running time. 'America America' is a very well made film, beautifully lit and framed and was really intrigued by its documentary-like style in how it was shot without being heavy-handed. The Oscar win for the art direction was richly deserved. The music score is great in its authenticity and makes one feel that you are there where the film is set.

The script also garnered award attention and understandably so, as it is very thought-provoking, can be quite gritty and doesn't sugar coat. The opening voice over is a very good indication of what to expect, making it very clear that it was a personal effort for Kazan without being egotistical. The story is long in length while not being long-winded, and is both touching and suitably uncompromising.

Summarising, truly great. 9/10

The picture talks about a Greek young from Anatoly ( Turkey ) named Stavros ( Stathis Giallelis ). He is sent by his father to Constantinopla for helping their family . Howewer Stavros only thinks on America . Across the journey he will suffer several misfortunes , risks and odds in his relationships to friends (Frank Wolff, John Marley, Lou Antonio) and enemies . Later on , Stavros will work in laborious employments to obtain a passage in a splendid ship for the promised land.

The movie is a magnificent adaptation based on the autobiographic novel of Greek-Turkish director Elia Kazan who being a child emigrated along with his family to United States . Since the initiating he describes memories , emotions and infancy images , besides narrates the persecution to Greeks and Armenians by Turkish that finished in genocide . Kazan reflects the particular characters , rural sets in realism way , folkloric customs , glimmer landscapes as well as interior homes . Kazan achieved a real emotion and sensibility by means of slow-moving scenes and close-ups of protagonists full of dialogs dealing with essential feeling as familiar love , friendship or happiness . These images contrast with the breathtaking outdoors of the mountains and countrysides where are developed the events . Magnificent cinematography in black and white by Haskel Wexler . Awesome and evocative musical score in oriental style by Manos Hadjidakis ( Topkapi ). The motion picture is very well directed by Elia Kazan ( On the waterfront ) . The release won Academy Award , an Oscar for production design and attained three nominations referred to Director and original screenplay , plus obtained a Golden Globe for Director and the biggest prize in Festival of San Sebastian . Rating : Above average and astounding movie. Well worth watching .