From the Edge of the City is an uncompromising look at the lives of a group of youths from the former Soviet Republic, now living in Athens. They may have returned to their ancestral home, but they have not been welcomed back as the proverbial prodigal sons. Instead, they must eek out an existence on the seedy fringes of society - on the edge of the city metaphorically as well as geographically.

Sasha (Stathis Papadopolous) is one such outsider. Faced with the prospect of a life working on a building site, or worse, appeasing his father and adopting what he sees as the futile pursuit of an education, Sasha has decided to rebel.

His morale destroyed by a back-breaking day job, Sasha lives for the evenings when he rollerblades round the city, breaking into cars and performing tricks with men to support his dope habit, his visits to the whore house, and just to pass the time.

Such an existence makes Sasha an unusual hero, especially for a gay audience. He isn’t gay, and sees the practice of anal sex as the action that turns you - which is why he refuses to go that far.

It’s a lifestyle where the means justify the end; where the deeds are forgotten in the pursuit of power and a sense of invincibility. As he says at one point, “making money without lifting a finger, that’s what you fall in love with.”

Sasha’s refusal to do what is expected of him makes him an attractive personality, especially in his treatment of fellow prostitute Natasha. With his brooding good looks and physical presence, Sasha is an engrossing character to watch.

Papadopolous' performance reminded me of Alex Dimitriades in another Greek, gay themed film from a while back, Head On. Papadopolous is as equally engrossing, and whilst the other actors in From the Edge of the City convince, it is him that we are constantly watching.

From the Edge of the City is shot in a suitably gritty style with hand held camerawork and footage of Sasha being interviewed by an unknown figure giving the film a documentary air.

A soundtrack featuring Greek house music also helps with the urban atmosphere, as does camerawork that doesn’t flinch from showing the consequences of the characters actions.

While not always a comfortable film to watch, From the Edge of the City introduces us to an interesting alternative culture - but one that is strangely familiar - and we are left to conclude that life is far from black and white, a theme that is universal to all and to every city.

Buy From the Edge of the City online and delve into the seedy fringes of Greek life. Alternatively, why not buy Head On and see another slice of Greek gay life. Buy them both online and save some money!