Movie spotlight
Quincas Borba
Based on a book by Machado de Assis (1839-1908) and adapted to the present time. After the death of the philosopher Quincas Borba, his friend and disciple Rubiao inherits all he possessed: his fortune, his dog, his philosophy and the germ of his madness. Rubiao's passion for Sofia, a friend's wife, places him at the center of a game in which she is the main piece while he is the only one who ignores the rules. The story of a dreamer and delirious man facing a reality to which he is not prepared.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of Rubião, a humble mathematics professor who inherits a fortune and a dog named Quincas Borba from his former mentor. Moving to Rio de Janeiro, Rubião becomes entangled in a web of social aspirations and romantic entanglements, all while grappling with his own sanity and the philosophical ideas of Humanitism espoused by Quincas Borba.
Critical Reception
Quincas Borba was a notable Brazilian film of its time, adapting a classic work of Brazilian literature. While it received attention for its ambition and performances, particularly from José Wilker, it is often considered a film that, despite its literary merit, had a mixed reception regarding its cinematic execution and pacing.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its fidelity to Machado de Assis's novel and José Wilker's performance.
Criticized by some for pacing issues and a somewhat uneven tone.
Seen as an ambitious but ultimately flawed adaptation.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews specifically for the 1988 film 'Quincas Borba' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of the 1891 novel of the same name by Brazilian writer Machado de Assis, one of the most important figures in Brazilian literature.
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