Oxalá
Oxalá

Movie spotlight

Oxalá

1981
Movie
131 min
Portuguese

A man exiled in Paris makes various trips to Portugal after the Carnation Revolution. Each trip is represented by a woman.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Glauber RochaGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a fictionalized African nation ruled by a dictator, a priest named Oxalá attempts to mediate between the oppressed populace and the tyrannical regime. The film explores themes of faith, resistance, and the search for spiritual and political liberation amidst violence and corruption. Oxalá's journey is one of sacrifice and the enduring hope for a better future.

Critical Reception

Glauber Rocha's final film, 'Oxalá,' is a complex and allegorical work that received a mixed but often intellectually engaged reception. While some critics praised its ambitious scope and Rocha's signature cinematic style, others found it dense and challenging. The film is recognized for its unique blend of political commentary and spiritual exploration, typical of Rocha's oeuvre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its artistic vision and allegorical depth.

  • Criticized by some for its challenging narrative structure.

  • Considered a significant, albeit dense, final statement from a major filmmaker.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Oxalá' is not readily available on Google platforms, making it difficult to summarize specific user sentiment.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is often interpreted as a metaphorical commentary on Brazil's own political situation during the military dictatorship, despite being set in an unnamed African nation.

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