Glauber Rocha Movies
Filmmaker Glauber Rocha was one of the central figures in the Brazilian Cinema Novo movement. His provocative work, often based on popular myths, fables, and rituals, is filled with an ambiguity, depth, and a complexity that met with enthusiastic response from patrons of Western art houses. Rocha did not have formal training in filmmaking; instead he gained his insight from film societies and his career as a film critic. His work is heavily influenced by some of the giants of modern filmmaking, including Orson Welles, Eisenstein, and John Ford. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi- 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, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mauricio do Valle, Jece Valadão, (more)
- 1970
- R
This uneven and hastily produced film suffers from many technical difficulties and is plagued by meaningless improvisation. Some attempt is made by the director to talk of some of the social problems in Brazil, but this entry qualifies as one itself. A narrator tells tales of the poverty stricken, and the filmmaker's many attempts at symbolism are confusing and pretentious. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Francisco Rabal, Pierre Clémenti, (more)
- 1970
This disturbing story of religious and political confusion in Latin America finds the CIA trying to infiltrate rebels loyal to a puppet government. A local guerilla fighter is tortured by a priest and his cronies who take sadistic pleasure in the torment of their victims. A blonde woman loyal to a shadowy operative is stripped naked, thrown in a cage and crucified by the sinful and sadistic spiritual scum. The guerilla eventually escapes to exact revenge on the enemy. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hugo Carvana, Rada Rassimov, (more)
- 1969
Noted French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard makes another foray into Marxist film in this poorly-wrought attempt at a political film. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gian Maria Volontè, Anne Wiazemsky, (more)
- 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, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mauricio do Valle, Odete Lara, (more)
- 1966
This Brazilian example of cinema novo chronicles the struggle of a man deeply entangled within unstable and crooked politics. The story is told in flashback by a writer who explains how he got into his present situation. He had been supporting a conservative party leader, but then decided to support the liberal candidate. The liberal wins the election, but soon reneges upon his campaign promises. The disillusioned writer decides to stay out of politics and resume his writing. Unfortunately, his girlfriend convinces him to try to talk the country's leader into pursuing a particular direction. The writer is soon shot. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jardel Filho, Paulo Autran, (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, Rovi
- Starring:
- Othon Bastos
- 1962
Brazilian director Glauber Rocha was only twenty years old when he made the interesting but uneven Barravento, his first film, and it already shows his interest in ritual and lower-class minorities. In this instance, the spotlight is on the lives of fishermen with more African than European blood in their veins -- and in their culture. Their overseers are the opposite, and thus arises the nearly universal problem of white exploitation of a black, minority cultural group. Aside from the political issues involved, there is a lot of colorful dancing -- a hallmark of Brazil -- and a glimpse at macumba rituals. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Starring:
- Antonio Luis Sampaio
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