Basil, a British-Greek writer with a touch of formality, meets the lively Zorba at the Athens port. Together, they embark on a journey to a Cretan village where Basil plans to reopen a lignite mine. Zorba, a miner with a colorful past, becomes Basil’s right-hand man.
Upon their arrival at the village, they are welcomed by the locals and stay with Madame Hortense. Zorba tries to matchmake, but his focus shifts when he convinces the monastery to provide timber for the mine. A dance of triumph follows their success.
Among the villagers is a widowed woman who catches Basil’s eye. When he spends the night with her, it leads to tragic consequences. Meanwhile, Zorba’s trip to Chania ends in revelry and misunderstanding, causing tension upon his return.
Rumors spread, leading to a series of unfortunate events. The widow faces blame and violence from the villagers, culminating in a heartbreaking and senseless act of brutality witnessed by Basil and Zorba. The villagers’ actions shock the outsiders.
As Madame Hortense nears death, chaos erupts among the villagers eager to claim her possessions. When she passes, Zorba takes the parrot cage as a memento. The completion of the timber transport system ends in a chaotic and humorous disaster, leaving Basil and Zorba to reflect on their experiences.
Experience the captivating tale of Zorba and Basil, filled with friendship, tragedy, and moments of madness. Watch the full movie for a journey that blends humor, drama, and poignant lessons in life. Dive into the world of Zorba the Greek and embrace the untamed spirit within you.