Never on Sunday

A charming Greek romantic comedy that explores the complexities of indigenous joie de vivre in the face of intellectual imperialism, "Never on Sunday" tells the story of Ilya, a contented Greek prostitute, and Homer, an earnest American classicist, who attempt to navigate their opposing perspectives on life. As Homer attempts to steer Ilya toward morality, while Ilya tries to make Homer more relaxed, the film examines the tension between Western notions of classical culture and the vibrant, free-spirited lifestyle of Greece's working class. Set against the backdrop of Piraeus, a bustling port city in Greece, this delightful film won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a critical success, with Melina Mercouri winning Best Actress at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival.