"“This heartwarming tale presents an uplifting and comforting take on an economical crisis dominating news reports...”"

Marcus Markou's directorial debut Papadopoulos & Sons is certainly receiving its nationwide release with somewhat pertinent timing, as a film that focuses heavily on the implications of the current financial climate. However, this heartwarming tale presents an uplifting and comforting take on an economical crisis dominating news reports and impacting on people's lives across the world. Though be warned; this film does have a kid with a bow-tie in it.

Harry Papadopoulos (Stephen Dillane) has it all – a beautiful home and three adoring children (Georgia Groome, Frank Dillane, Thomas Underhill) - a lifestyle earned from the food empire he had created, as the self-made millionaire and entrepreneur has been triumphantly selling Greek products to willing buyers for years. However once the recession strikes, he loses it all, and when giving up his home, his estranged brother Spiros (Georges Corraface) gets in touch about reopening their fish and chip shop that they used to run together – and Harry – certainly reluctant about the idea, has to decide if he is willing to seize the opportunity and go back to basics...

Considering how many Greeks and Cypriots live over here in London, it's actually a community relatively untouched in British cinema, and Papadopoulos & Sons plays out like a timely celebration of their culture, with a rich sense of unity rife in this production. Such a sentiment is enhanced by an upbeat Greek score, adding a celebratory atmosphere to proceedings and compliments the narrative succinctly.

The message to this film is an honest, uplifting one – that of money not always being the answer to our problems, and how happiness can often derive from simply being around those you love. In what is effectively a riches to rags tale, this is almost like a contemporary version of It's a Wonderful Life, as Harry begins to appreciate the smallest, more intimate aspects to his life. However comparing this to such a masterpiece is perhaps too strong, as this is without the earnestness and pure emotion that the Frank Capra classic thrives in.

Papadopoulos & Sons is certainly not the trendiest of titles – yet that is not a problem at all as it's unapologetically poignant, and isn't trying to be anything it's not. That said, it can be guilty of verging on the melodramatic, and although searching for a hint of tongue-in-cheek, there is little to be found. However, surprisingly, for a film that gets sentimental at times, Harry's initial distress as learning his empire is crumbling beneath him is played down somewhat. He's lost almost everything, and yet he barely flinches. Not a fault of Dillane's mind you, who on the whole is impressive. Dillane's son Frank is also on board, adding a touch of authenticity to proceedings by playing his actual child in the film. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the rest of the casting, as accuracy goes out the window somewhat, as Spiros couldn't look less like Harry if he tried. It's fair to say only one of those actors is truly Greek.

Although somewhat predictable at points – complete with a needless romantic storyline (or two, in this case) – that doesn't prevent Papadopoulos & Sons being a sincere and touching film, and with a goodhearted nature this is a piece that will leave you smiling long after the credits roll. And if you want any other incentive to go and see this film – Markou remortgaged his house to self-distribute it. Such conviction and commitment to the cause can only be repaid by seeing this movie. So yeah, go see it.