Portuguese cinema, frequently underappreciated, delves into deep subjects like identity and memory with an intimate style. Below are five movies that will acquaint you with the depth of Portuguese filmmaking and provoke thoughts on societal issues and personal identity.
Our Dear Month of August (2008) by Miguel Gomes
This blended movie lies at the intersection of a documentary and another genre. Portuguese musical culture along with a made-up romantic 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 countryside living, traditional music, and the inviting essence of Portugal’s summertime, all through a distinctive and lyrical depiction of regional customs.
Alice (2005) by Marco Martins
A dad whose daughter is missing keeps searching for her. on 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 obsession intertwined with pain, using a setting that beautifully captures the loneliness of Lisbon. The director, Marco Martins, received particular praise for his skillful guidance of the performers and his masterful portrayal of a city shadowed by grief over losing someone dear who has vanished without trace.
The Gilded Cage (2013) by Ruben Alves
The movie narrates the journey of a Portuguese clan that has resided in Paris for many years. As they face an option to go back to their native land, the family must decide 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 a heartwarming comedic take on the experiences of Portuguese individuals living in France. The film gained significant popularity due to its genuine emotion 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, struggling against dire circumstances, attempt to make ends meet alongside their new child.
What makes this film worth watching? Pedro Costa is celebrated for his minimalist and highly realistic style, which he employs here to portray the deeply human stories of marginalized individuals with great compassion. 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 found within "One Thousand and One Nights," this trilogy presents modern-day stories set against the backdrop of Portugal during an economic downturn, intertwining fantastical elements with real-world societal issues.
What makes this series worth watching? It serves as an audacious mirror of contemporary Portuguese society. Through three parts and with a loose, innovative narrative approach, Miguel Gomes crafts a piece that is simultaneously lyrical and scrutinizing, earning praise across various global film events.
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