The term magkas historically described a specific type of Greek man—honorable, street-smart, often associated with the Rebetiko subculture, and defined by a strict, unwritten code of ethics. By 1987, the "old world" values of the magkas were clashing with the rising tide of 80s materialism, pop culture, and Westernization. Context of the 1980s VHS Era
The irony that a film mourning the "authentic past" was consumed via the then-cutting-edge (now obsolete) VHS format.
The title is nostalgic and somewhat cynical. It suggests that the "real men" of the past—those with dignity and a sense of neighborhood loyalty—had been replaced by "modern" types who prioritized money and superficiality. It captures a moment of in Greece:
This specific era was dominated by actors like Stathis Psaltis and Stamatis Gardelis, though this film leans into the "social drama/comedy" mix typical of the time. Themes of the Film
The "VHSRip" in your title points to the craze. In the 80s, the Greek film industry shifted from high-budget cinema to low-budget, straight-to-video productions.