Black Orpheus (1959)

Black Orpheus (1959)
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Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) is literally what its title suggests: a retelling of the "Orpheus and Eurydice" legend enacted by black performers. This time the setting is the annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Orpheus (Breno Mello) is a streetcar conductor; Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn) has just jilted her lover and is attempting to escape his wrath. Orpheus himself falls in love with Eurydice, whereupon her ex-lover, disguised as the Angel of Death shows up and kills Eurydice. To reclaim his lost love, Orpheus enters "Hell" (the Rio morgue) and uses supernatural methods to revive the dead girl. A multi-award winner on the international film scene, Black Orpheus features a samba musical score by Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Breno MelloMarpessa Dawn, (more)
Director(s):
Marcel Camus
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of Black Orpheus

Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) is literally what its title suggests: a retelling of the "Orpheus and Eurydice" legend enacted by black performers. This time the setting is the annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Orpheus (Breno Mello) is a streetcar conductor; Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn) has just jilted her lover and is attempting to escape his wrath. Orpheus himself falls in love with Eurydice, whereupon her ex-lover, disguised as the Angel of Death shows up and kills Eurydice. To reclaim his lost love, Orpheus enters "Hell" (the Rio morgue) and uses supernatural methods to revive the dead girl. A multi-award winner on the international film scene, Black Orpheus features a samba musical score by Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
107 mins

Complete Cast of Black Orpheus


Director(s):
Marcel Camus
Writer(s):
Marcel CamusJacques Viot
Producer(s):
Sacha Gordine
Categories:
Independent FilmsRomanceSci-Fi & Fantasy
Black Orpheus Awards:
  • 1959 - Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or
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Member Reviews
 
Richard B.

This samba-driven adaptation of an ancient drama is lively and touching. One oddity about the DVD: the English voicetrack at a couple points momentarily changes to Russian.

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CAROLYN L S.

I first saw this movie when I was a child, it has stayed with me. I remember the music and the cinematography in particular. This is a great film, a classic.

Yes   |   No

 
Henrietta M.

This movie was a reflection of what many people in 1959 thought black people were like. It was not remotely believeable.

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