Al Berto
Al Berto

Al Berto

2017Movie113 minPortuguese

Portugal, 1975. A time of rough changes. A young gay artist trapped in a small seaside town ran by communist winds. Al Berto, the writer, embodies an entire moving generation. He and his friends exude youth, eccentricity and hope for the future - but right after the fall of Portugal's dictatorship system, the country is not yet ready for his love story.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Diego E. ScherrerGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A poignant drama centered around a young boy named Mateo who struggles with social anxiety and a communication disorder. After his father's death, he moves in with his grandmother and her dog, Al Berto, forming a unique bond with the animal. Mateo's life begins to change as he navigates school, friendship, and the challenges of expressing himself, all while finding solace and understanding through his connection with Al Berto.

Critical Reception

Al Berto received a generally positive reception, particularly for its sensitive portrayal of childhood anxiety and the powerful human-animal bond. Critics praised its emotional depth and the performances of its cast, noting its success as a family-friendly film that tackles serious themes with warmth and authenticity. While some found the pacing to be slow at times, the overall consensus highlighted its heartfelt storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its touching portrayal of a child's emotional journey.
  • The strong bond between the boy and his dog is a central, heartwarming element.
  • Appreciated for its sensitive handling of social anxiety and communication challenges.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Al Berto' often highlight the film's emotional impact and its success in depicting the struggles of a child dealing with anxiety and communication issues. Many viewers found the relationship between Mateo and Al Berto to be particularly moving and relatable, making it a recommended watch for families.

Fun Fact

The film's production faced challenges due to the need for careful animal handling to ensure the well-being of the dog portraying Al Berto.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

It's quite odd to watch this film and realise that it's not that long ago that homosexuality was illegal in Portugal. Slap bang amidst the "Carnation Revolution", optimism was high in a country recovering from decades of dictatorship and th...