A Garça e a Serpente
A Garça e a Serpente

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A Garça e a Serpente

1952
Movie
129 min
Portuguese

Melancholic and atheist bank clerk Manuel is stuck in a love triangle with two women, the fiery art model Albertina and the quiet and religious Ana Maria. After spending several years working in Africa, Manuel returns to Portugal only to find both women already married, and his life marred by problems.

Insights

Director: Carlos CoimbraGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In the arid Alentejo region of Portugal, a young woman finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage to a much older, cruel man. She seeks solace and connection with a local farmhand, leading to a tense and passionate forbidden affair. Their clandestine meetings are fraught with danger, as the oppressive social norms and the husband's suspicions loom over their desperate attempts at happiness.

Critical Reception

The film was a significant work in Portuguese cinema, praised for its stark portrayal of rural life and the psychological struggles of its characters. While not a commercial blockbuster, it garnered critical attention for its artistic merit and its unflinching look at societal constraints.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric depiction of the Portuguese countryside.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly in conveying suppressed emotions.

  • Considered a somber yet compelling drama exploring themes of desire and oppression.

Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for this specific film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in the Alentejo region of Portugal, using its unique landscapes and atmosphere to enhance the narrative's themes of isolation and harshness.

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