Last century Turkey ejected Greek nationals, people who had made the country in general and Constantinople in particular their home for centuries. This exodus tore apart friends and families, many of whom would never reunite. One arm of such a family resettled in Athens with plans that their uncle, a Turkish citizen, would join them once business matters, smallgoods and spices, were finalised. Now in Greece and a world away from his best friend, young Fanis dreams of home, spices and the arrival of his Grandfather. To pass time and to the concern of his parents, Fanis discovers a gift for cooking that connects him to the old country. As time continues to pass, his life and career take off while his heart remains firmly in Istanbul. A Touch Of Spice never manages to fulfil the epic promise of its opening scenes, a mesmerising mix of emotional fantasy and reality (each chapter is linked by a similarly striking digital sequence). Confident performances from an attractive cast (Markos Osse as a youngster is especially charismatic) help buoy the film but can’t overcome the drag of Tassos Boulmetis’ obvious direction. A decision to close the film in English, neither actors first language, is particularly unfortunate. Nonetheless, A Touch Of Spice, the first European co-production for Australia’s Village Films, tells an engaging story of Greece that is seldom told. Boulmetis finds the humour, pathos and tragedy necessary for such an allegory and while he can’t reach the levity required to ignite the magic, it’s a game try. // COLIN FRASER