Os Cafajestes

This film, which brought popularization to cinema novo mainly due to its then-controversial subject matter containing nudity, created an aura enticing a large number of viewers to the movie theaters who would otherwise probably choose a different film. “However,” they received a very progressive film in terms of content and form: the characters are portrayed as immoral and also the opposite, and the scene of humiliation depicted in the veil of traditionally unproblematic sexually charged symbolism - naked women on the beach - is truly brilliant. From the new waves (and neorealism), Guerra masterfully takes over the work in exteriors, the minimalism of production in a film relying on relational dynamics and elegant visuals, not on a complex plot and baroque set design. The camera is truly excellent and not even the greatest of the Italians of that time would be ashamed of it. In addition, the way in which Guerra leaves in the long passages filled only with music or seemingly nonsensical dialogue should be appreciated also because the film (hopefully this won't sound too Eurocentric) was made in a third-world country and at a time when traditional cinematic baggage still prevailed even in Europe. (2016.02.13)