Mauricio do Valle Movies
Elizabeth Hartman stars in this unpleasant Spanish-Italian action film. When a group of women escape from a prison deep in the Amazon jungle, they are captured by evil Brazilian natives who make them slaves. Osualdo de Oliveira's film is as racist and repellent as any of Jesus Franco or Umberto Lenzi's similar Amazon freakshows, but does feature lesbianism and plentiful bare skin to keep its intended audience interested. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elisabeth Hartmann, Mauricio do Valle, (more)
Quilombo de Palmares was a real-life democratic society, created in Brazil in the 17th century. This incredibly elaborate (and surprisingly little-known) film traces the origins of Quilombo, which began as a community of freed slaves. The colony becomes a safe harbor for other outcasts of the world, including Indians and Jews. Ganga Zumba (Toni Tornado) becomes president of Quilombo, the first freely elected leader in the Western Hemisphere. Naturally, the ruling Portuguese want to subjugate Zumba and his followers, but the Quilombians are ready for their would-be oppressors. The end of this Brave New World is not pleasant, but the followers of Zumba and his ideals take to the hills, where they honor his memory to this day. Writer/director Carlos Diegues takes every available opportunity to compare the rise and fall of Quilombo with the state of affairs in modern-day Brazil. Still, the film is refreshingly free of self-righteous oratory, and serves as an excellent introduction to anyone intrigued by the political history of South America. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Antonio Pompeo, Zeze Motta, (more)
- 1983
Gabriela was based on Jorge Armado's novel Gabriela, Clove and Cinammon, which also served as the source of a typically steamy Brazilian TV soap opera. Set in 1925 (when the novel was first published), the film stars Marcello Mastrioanni as Nacib, a bartender in the Bahian village of Parati. When a drought descends upon the surrounding countryside, slovenly-but-sexy Gabriela (Sonja Braga) wanders into Parati with some friends and relatives. Immediately entranced by Gabriela's earthy sensuality, Nacib hires her as a cook and potential lover. Jealous of the attentions paid to Gabriela by the local menfolk, Nacib decides to marry her, then orders her to dress and behave in a more prudish fashion. But Gabriela can't help straying sexually, and as consequence it is Nacib who is forced to undergo the film's major character transformation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sonia Braga, Marcello Mastroianni, (more)
- 1980
Brazilian director Glauber Rocha has come up with a confusing socio-political film, a visual and musical collage that bombards the senses. Opening scenes show Native Brazilians dancing in a frenzy, and then those scenes fade into a wild Mardi Gras carnival. After this introduction, two opposing politicos and sensuous, flamboyant women present visual contrasts as a historian comments on the history of the country. In the background is the modern city of Brazilia, a fitting setting for this kaleidoscope of images. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mauricio do Valle, Jece Valadão, (more)
- 1979
Reality and erotic fantasy are inextricably mixed in the inner life of Coronel Furtado (Mauricio do Valle). His military years are long past, and his inner life poses him some unique challenges as he attempts to cope with his reduced circumstances. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mauricio do Valle
- 1971
This Brazilian film is set during the period of its initial colonial discovery and settlement. The title refers to a word the native peoples used for the coastal lands: "pindorama," or "place of the small trees." A ponderous and grandiose film, it was roundly booed when it was aired at the 1971 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1970
A man and a woman are the only members left from an unfortunate circus troupe. they try to earn money from the religious faithful by nailing the man to a cross in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ. The man also tries to collect money by going on a hunger strike in this symbolic and disturbing film. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mauricio do Valle
- 1968
The Brazilian Antonio Das Mortes casts Mauricio De Valle as a mercenary peacekeeper. Agreeing to hunt down and kill rebel soldiers, the mercenary becomes increasingly drawn to the rebel's cause. His 11th-hour turnaround does not prevent the film from ending in a bloodbath. Antonio das Mortes unabashedly casts its lot with such insurgents as Che Guevara. As such, this 1968 film had difficulty finding an American distributor until two years later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mauricio do Valle, Odette Lara, (more)
- 1964
Just twenty five years old, Brazilian cinema novo force Glauber Rocha wrote and directed this impressive feature addressing socio-political problems within his country--and indeed, anywhere it may apply. It is the 1940s, during another drought in the Brazilian sertao, when ranch hand Manuel is fed up with his situation. His boss tries to cheat him of his earnings and Manuel kills him, fleeing with his wife, Rosa. Now an outlaw, Manuel joins up with a self-proclaimed saint who condones violence and preaches disturbing doctrines. It is now Rosa who turns to killing and the two are on the move once again. And so it goes, the two running from one allegience to another, following the words of others as they attempt to find a place in their ruthless land. Blending mysticism, religion, and popular culture in this symbolic and realistic drama, Rocha insists that rather than follow the external and obscure dogmas of culture and religion, man must determine his path by his own voice. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Othon Bastos
