Portuguese cinema, frequently overshadowed, delves into deep subjects like identity and memory through intimate storytelling. Below are five movies that will acquaint you with the depth of Portuguese filmography and provoke thoughts on societal norms and personal identities.
Our Cherished Month of August (2008) by Miguel Gomes
This blended movie lies in-between a documentary on Portuguese musical culture And a made-up romantic tale filmed in Portugal's heartland over the summertime.
What makes this movie worth watching? Praised for merging documentary and narrative styles, it authentically portrays country living, traditional music, and the inviting atmosphere of Portugal’s summertime, providing a distinctive and lyrical perspective on regional customs.
Alice (2005) by Marco Martins
A dad whose daughter is missing keeps searching for her. in the streets of Lisbon Each day, he documents passersby in an effort to locate her.
What makes this film worth watching? As a psychological thriller, it delves deep into themes of obsession intertwined with pain, using a setting that beautifully captures the loneliness of Lisbon. Director Marco Martins received particular praise for his skillful guidance of the performers and his masterful depiction of a city shadowed by grief over losing someone dear who has vanished without trace.
The Gilded Cage (2013) by Ruben Alves
The movie narrates the journey of a Portuguese clan that has resided in Paris for many years. Upon being presented with the chance to go back to their native land, the family must make a tough decision: stay in France or embrace their roots again.
What makes this movie worth watching? Despite tackling a relatively small subject matter, Ruben Alves manages to connect with viewers through his heartwarming comedic take on the experiences of Portuguese individuals living in France. The film gained significant popularity due to its genuine emotion and gentle depiction of the Portuguese diaspora.
Ossos (1997) by Pedro Costa
The movie takes place in the impoverished areas of Lisbon and tracks the journey of a young pair struggling to make ends meet as they face immense challenges alongside their new child.
What makes this movie worth watching? Pedro Costa is celebrated for his minimalistic and realistic style, which he showcases in this film through a deeply humane portrayal of marginalized individuals' lives. Ossos is one of his most emblematic films, thanks to its subtle narrative and austere photography.
Arabian Nights (2015) by Miguel Gomes
This trilogy is inspired by the tales of the One Thousand and One Nights to tell contemporary stories about Portugal in the midst of an economic crisis, blending fantasy with social reality.
Why should you check out this trilogy? It serves as an audacious commentary on contemporary Portuguese society. Comprising three parts and employing a loose, experimental approach, Miguel Gomes crafts a piece that is simultaneously lyrical and incisive, earning accolades across various global film festivals.
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