Portuguese cinema, frequently overshadowed, delves into deep subjects like identity and memory through a intimate style. Below are five movies that will acquaint you with the depth of Portuguese filmmaking and provoke thoughts about societal issues and personal identities.
Our Cherished Month of August (2008) by Miguel Gomes
This blended movie lies at the intersection of a documentary and another genre. Portuguese musical culture plus a made-up romance tale filmed in Portugal’s heartland over the summertime.
What makes this movie worth watching? Praised for merging documentary and narrative styles, it authentically portrays village life, traditional music, and the inviting atmosphere of Portugal’s summertime, all through a distinctive and lyrical lens focused on regional customs.
Alice (2005) by Marco Martins
A dad whose daughter is missing keeps searching for her. in the streets of Lisbon Each day, he documents passersby in an effort to locate her.
What makes this film worth watching? As a psychological thriller, it delves deep into themes of fixation intertwined with suffering, using stage design that captures the loneliness of Lisbon. The director, Marco Martins, received particular praise for his skillful guidance of the performers and his knack for conveying the haunting essence of a city shadowed by grief over losing someone dear.
The Gilded Cage (2013) by Ruben Alves
The movie revolves around a Portuguese family that has resided in Paris for many years. As they face an option to go back to their native country, the clan must make a tough decision about whether to stay in France or embrace their roots again.
What makes this movie worth watching? Despite tackling a relatively small subject matter, Ruben Alves manages to connect with viewers through his heartwarming comedic take on the experiences of Portuguese individuals living in France. The film gained significant popularity due to its genuine approach and affectionate depiction of the Portuguese diaspora.
Ossos (1997) by Pedro Costa
The movie takes place in the impoverished areas of Lisbon and revolves around a young pair who, amidst dire circumstances, strive to make ends meet with their new child.
What makes this film worth watching? Pedro Costa is celebrated for his minimalist, realistic style, which he employs here to portray the deeply human stories of marginalized individuals with great empathy. Ossos One of his most iconic movies, due to its nuanced storyline and minimalist cinematography.
Arabian Nights (2015) by Miguel Gomes
Inspired by the narratives of "One Thousand and One Nights," this trilogy presents modern-day stories set in Portugal during an economic downturn, merging fantastical elements with societal truths.
What makes this series worth watching? It serves as an audacious commentary on contemporary Portuguese society. Through three installments and with a liberated, avant-garde approach, Miguel Gomes crafts a piece that is simultaneously lyrical and scrutinizing, earning accolades across various global film events.