O Anjo Negro
O Anjo Negro

Movie spotlight

O Anjo Negro

1973
Movie
82 min
Portuguese

In a large house in Salvador lives a family: Hercules, Julia, two of the couple's nephews, Hercules' father-in-law, and two maids. Hercules is a farmer who is in a professional and marital crisis. The mystical figure of Calunga mysteriously appears in the big house. He causes deep transformations in the family. Calunga relates to the women of the house and shakes the established patriarchal structure.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: J. E. S. de OliveiraGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young woman, Vera, is sent to a psychiatric hospital after her mother's mysterious death. She claims her mother was murdered by her new husband, a prominent politician. As Vera navigates the institution, she becomes entangled in a web of deception and psychological manipulation, questioning her own sanity and the motives of those around her.

Critical Reception

O Anjo Negro is a notable film from Brazilian cinema's 'Cinema Novo' movement, praised for its suspenseful narrative and strong performances, particularly from Regina Duarte. It explores themes of madness, societal corruption, and the female psyche within a tense thriller framework.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric tension and psychological depth.

  • Regina Duarte's performance is frequently highlighted as a standout element.

  • The film effectively blends thriller elements with social commentary.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this film, making it difficult to summarize specific user sentiments.

Fun Fact

The film was controversial upon its release in Brazil for its unflinching portrayal of psychological distress and societal issues.

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