O Lucro Acima da Vida
O Lucro Acima da Vida

Movie spotlight

O Lucro Acima da Vida

2014
Movie
90 min
Portuguese

Fiction based on a true story of Brazilian workers and people living near a pesticide plant, first owned by Shell and then by BASF, that suffered cancers and other severe health problems as a result of land and groundwater contamination around the plant and their fight for justice.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users78%
Director: Michael RoskamGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young, ambitious farmer attempts to make his mark in the meat industry by engaging in illegal steroid trading. His life takes a dangerous turn as he becomes entangled with a powerful criminal syndicate, forcing him to confront the ethical and personal costs of his pursuit of wealth and success. The story delves into the dark underbelly of the agricultural business and the moral compromises individuals make to achieve their goals.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising Matthias Schoenaerts' intense performance and the gritty, atmospheric portrayal of the Belgian agricultural and criminal world. Some reviewers found the plot compelling, while others noted that it occasionally felt uneven in its pacing and thematic exploration. Audience reception was generally favorable, appreciating the strong central performance and the film's unflinching look at its subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Matthias Schoenaerts' commanding performance.

  • The film offers a grim and atmospheric look into the meat industry and crime.

  • Some critics noted a deliberate, sometimes slow, pacing.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's intense drama and the lead actor's performance. Many found the exploration of the meat industry and its darker aspects to be compelling and thought-provoking, though some felt the narrative could be slow at times.

Fun Fact

The film's original title in Dutch is 'Rundskop', which translates to 'Bullhead', referencing a key element of the story and the character's brutish nature.

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