My Big Fat Greek Wedding (HBO)

About My Big Fat Greek Wedding

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is a romantic comedy film released in 2002. This HBO film is based on a one-woman play written by Nia Vardalos who also stars in the movie. The plot centers around the character of Fotoula "Toula" Portokalos, a Greek American woman who falls in love with a non-Greek, Ian Miller, and the comedic cultural clash that ensues as she tries to get her traditional Greek family to accept him.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Joel Zwick, and the script was written by Nia Vardalos. The initial budget of the movie was very low, however, after its huge commercial success, the movie grossed over $241 million worldwide and became one of the most profitable movies of 2002.

Actors

• Nia Vardalos as Toula Portokalos - She brilliantly portrays the lead character's journey to self-discovery and balance between her traditional roots and her modern love.
• John Corbett as Ian Miller - He delivers a compelling performance as the non-Greek man who wins Toula's heart and learns to navigate her quirky family dynamics.
• Lainie Kazan as Maria Portokalos - She effectively portrays the role of the quintessential Greek mother, creating a memorable and relatable character.
• Michael Constantine as Kostas "Gus" Portokalos - He is the embodiment of the traditional, endearing, and hilarious Greek father who believes in his culture's superiority.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is based on Nia Vardalos' real-life experiences growing up in a Greek household and her non-Greek husband.
• Despite its low initial budget, the film became one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time.
• The film spawned a short-lived TV sitcom called "My Big Fat Greek Life."
• Rita Wilson, Greek-American herself and wife of Tom Hanks, discovered Vardalos' play and is one of the film's producers.

Awards

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It won several awards including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. Nia Vardalos also received a nomination for her performance.

Quotes

• "My dad is so Greek, he thinks Windex is a miracle product."
• "There are two kinds of people - Greeks, and everyone else who wish they was Greek."
• "Nice Greek girls are supposed to do three things in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone... until the day we die."

Music / Soundtrack

• "All mixed up" by 311
• "Say what you want" by The Flames
• "Dancing Zorbas" by Mikis Theodorakis