Movie spotlight
Belarmino
A portrait of Belarmino Fragoso, a veteran boxer in Lisbon nearing the end of his career. In a blend of reportage and re-enactment, the many vices of the once national featherweight champion are revealed against a background of the grim economics of boxing in 1960s Portugal.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the life and career of Portuguese boxer José de Almeida, known as Belarmino. It captures his final bout, offering a raw and intimate look at the physical and emotional toll of professional boxing. The film also explores his personal life and the cultural context of his sport in Portugal.
Critical Reception
Belarmino is widely regarded as a landmark in Portuguese cinema, celebrated for its verité style and unflinching portrayal of its subject. It received critical acclaim for its innovative documentary approach and its deep humanistic exploration of a working-class athlete.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intimate and authentic portrayal of the boxer's life.
Hailed as a pioneering work in Portuguese documentary filmmaking.
Appreciated for its raw depiction of the physical and emotional realities of boxing.
Google audience: Information not available.
Fun Fact
The film captures Belarmino's very last fight, a significant and emotional event for both the boxer and the filmmakers.
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