The 1964 film titled "Zorba the Greek" is the one where an Englishman in Crete on an existential quest will meet a guy full of passion. This is a British-Greek comedy drama which was written, produced, edited, and directed by Cypriot Michael Cacoyannis. Anthony Quinn stars as the titular character. The film is based on a 1946 novel titled 'The Life And Times Of Alexis Zorba' by Nikos Kazantzakis. Key members of the cast besides Quinn include: Alan Bates, Lila Kedrova, Irene Papas, and Sotiris Moustakas.

A synopsis of the film includes the following. While traveling to inspect an abandoned mine his father owns in Crete, English author Basil (Alan Bates) meets the exuberant peasant Zorba (Anthony Quinn). Basil will as a matter of course invite Zorba along with him when the older man claims he has mining experience.

In Basil's father's old village, he finds himself attracted to a young widow (Irene Papas). Zorba will be able to find time to take up with the woman who runs the hotel (Lila Kedrova as Madame Hortense). When things go wrong, Zorba teaches Basil how to enjoy life even under the most trying circumstances.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org