Tabu

In a Lisbon haunted by the specter of its colonial past, an elderly woman named Aurora is dying. Her devoted housekeeper, Santa, and a group of nuns are her only companions. As Aurora's life fades, her past ventures into Africa and the complex relationships she formed there begin to surface, revealing a life of adventure, passion, and perhaps, regret. The film explores themes of memory, loss, and the enduring impact of history.

Miguel Gomes' "Tabu" was critically acclaimed for its unique narrative structure, visual style, and contemplative exploration of memory and colonialism. Critics praised its melancholic beauty and its innovative approach to storytelling, often highlighting its dreamlike atmosphere and emotional resonance. It was recognized as a significant work of contemporary Portuguese cinema.

• Praised for its poetic and melancholic atmosphere.
• Lauded for its experimental narrative structure and visual artistry.
• Acknowledged for its thought-provoking examination of memory and post-colonial guilt.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate the film's artistic merit and contemplative nature, often citing its beauty and emotional depth. Some viewers find its abstract storytelling and pacing challenging, but many are moved by its unique approach to exploring themes of loss and history.

Screened at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize. It also received multiple awards at the Portuguese Sophia Awards.

The film is famously divided into two parts: "Tabu: Innocence" and "Tabu: Violence", with the second part intentionally presented as a silent film with intertitles, mirroring the style of classic silent cinema.