“Gold ruins everything. First the land, then the man.” That’s the gist of Marcelo Gomes’ ambitious historical epic, set in 18th-century Brazil when the South American colony’s people and resources were being exploited under Portuguese oppression. A fictional tale partly based on the life of leading Brazilian separatist Tiradentes (real name Joaquim José da Silva Xavier), Gomes’ film aims to keep the spirit rather than adhere to true events of his nascent independence movement. It’s more a reflection on how inequality and oppression so endemic in colonial times continue into today’s Brazil.
Joaquim (Julio Machado, a rugged Hugh Jackman look-a-like) is a soldier serving the Portuguese crown, catching smugglers in a part of Brazil whose formerly rich supply of gold is running dry. His poor upbringing is still better than the slaves and “indians” who work under him, with whom he gets on better than many of his Portuguese peers.
Joaquim (Julio Machado, a rugged Hugh Jackman look-a-like) is a soldier serving the Portuguese crown, catching smugglers in a part of Brazil whose formerly rich supply of gold is running dry. His poor upbringing is still better than the slaves and “indians” who work under him, with whom he gets on better than many of his Portuguese peers.
- 2/17/2017
- by Ed Frankl
- The Film Stage
Cinematic collaboration presents stories of the greatest colonial rebels to new generation of film-goers
More than two centuries ago Spain hunted them as outlaws and traitors across its south American and Caribbean empire - a pursuit that often ended in capture, torture and execution.
In Latin America they were the liberators: men who led revolts against colonial overlords, blazed a trail for the continent's independence and destroyed Spain's status as a world power.
Now Spain has learned to forgive, and even glorify the rebels by depicting them on screen in eight films to mark Latin America's bicentenary celebrations.
A Madrid launch gave official blessing to the series which will bring the liberation sagas of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela to a new generation of filmgoers.
"It gives a voice to those who needed to have their history told," said Felipe González, Spain's former Pm and roving ambassador for bicentenary events.
More than two centuries ago Spain hunted them as outlaws and traitors across its south American and Caribbean empire - a pursuit that often ended in capture, torture and execution.
In Latin America they were the liberators: men who led revolts against colonial overlords, blazed a trail for the continent's independence and destroyed Spain's status as a world power.
Now Spain has learned to forgive, and even glorify the rebels by depicting them on screen in eight films to mark Latin America's bicentenary celebrations.
A Madrid launch gave official blessing to the series which will bring the liberation sagas of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela to a new generation of filmgoers.
"It gives a voice to those who needed to have their history told," said Felipe González, Spain's former Pm and roving ambassador for bicentenary events.
- 3/14/2011
- by Rory Carroll
- The Guardian - Film News
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