Fact Finder - Movies

Fact
The Bouzouki and Zorba's 'Live Life' Dance
Category
Movies
Subcategory
Movie Quotes
Country
Greece
Description
In 'Zorba the Greek,' the quote 'Life is trouble. Only death is not' is the philosophy of a man who dances to forget his sorrows. This movie legend is inseparable from the bouzouki. The bouzouki is a long-necked string instrument of the lute family, central to Greek music. The film's 'Sirtaki' dance theme, composed by Mikis Theodorakis, starts slow and builds to a frenetic pace, driven by the bouzouki's sharp, rhythmic sound. Before the film, the bouzouki was often associated with the working class, but the movie's success turned it into a symbol of national identity. The 'Zorba Dance' remains one of the most recognizable pieces of cinema music, proving that a single instrument can capture the spirit of a legendary character and the infectious energy of his most famous quotes.