Black God, White Devil (Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol) poster & wallpaper
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Othon Bastos, Maurício do Valle, Yoná Magalhães, Geraldo Del Rey, Lidio Silva ... see more see more... , Sonia das Humildes

Just twenty five years old, Brazilian cinema novo force Glauber Rocha wrote and directed this impressive feature addressing socio-political problems within his country--and indeed, anywhere it may app... read more read more...ly. It is the 1940s, during another drought in the Brazilian sertao, when ranch hand Manuel is fed up with his situation. His boss tries to cheat him of his earnings and Manuel kills him, fleeing with his wife, Rosa. Now an outlaw, Manuel joins up with a self-proclaimed saint who condones violence and preaches disturbing doctrines. It is now Rosa who turns to killing and the two are on the move once again. And so it goes, the two running from one allegience to another, following the words of others as they attempt to find a place in their ruthless land. Blending mysticism, religion, and popular culture in this symbolic and realistic drama, Rocha insists that rather than follow the external and obscure dogmas of culture and religion, man must determine his path by his own voice. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi

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1,006 ratings

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8 critics

PG-13, 2 hr.

Directed by: Glauber Rocha

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Flixster Reviews (66)

  • shitfaced8
    April 30, 2011
    shitfaced8
    This is a historically important Brazillian film that works on several levels. First and foremost it is a fiercely political and social film that captures the Latin America of the 1960's as socialism/communism were sweeping their way throughout the continent. Director, Glauber Ro... read morecha, is an unabashed socialist and the film for me works first and foremost as an inventive way to examine the politics of the time, especially in Latin America where socialism was becoming increasingly popular. This was also the era when law and order was begining to overrule the bandits of Brazil and at times (namely suring the second half) this feels like a western, though it is also a lot more than that. Secondly this movie deals with a lot of religious themes, particularily in the first half, where after killing the owner of the ranch where he is a hand, when his boss tries to rip him off, the protagonist seeks refuge in a cult on a mountain led by a self proclaimed profit named Sebastion. This portion of the film deals heavily with the corruption of the Catholic Church, explores why people might seek refuge with this kind of cult and also examines peoples faith in religion. How far will someone go in a belief, with the promise of a better future ahead, before they are willing to admit to themselves that this promised land is never coming, and the harsh reality of the here and now is all one should hope for. The movie also works on a third level in that it is also a very good story, that hooks you in and keeps you interested in the charatcers from begining to end. Where a lot of films that deal with these kinds of heavy concepts get overly heavy handed and lose the attention of the audience pretty quickly, this film really does have a great story to go along with it's main themes, thus possibly not scaring away viewers who might disagree with what the film has to say right away. While I do get the feeling that this film was made to spread some important messages, this film isn't mere propagnada. It is an artfully crafted film with a lot on it's mind, and a great story that should keep viewers intrested, despite their personal beliefs. Really an underappreciated gem that more people should seek out. Highly recommended.
  • HuskersNC949597
    March 29, 2012
    HuskersNC949597
    I found myself struggling to remember who did what, who was who. Anybody dumb enough to follow a guy who proclaims himself a saint deserves to be shot dead, or something, I guess.

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Critic Reviews

A.H. Weiler
April 11, 2007
A.H. Weiler, New York Times

Simple, black-and-white, more arresting as a shocking polemic than as memorable drama. Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum
April 11, 2007
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Strongly recommended. Full Review

Ted Shen
April 11, 2007
Ted Shen, Chicago Reader

The fusion of European and Afro-Brazilian elements -- dialogue, exquisite black-and-white images, and music by Villa-Lobos -- is startlingly original and poetical in conveying the hope and despair of ... Full Review

Jeremy Heilman
August 9, 2009
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com

It almost immediately launches into a nightmarish journey of violence and hopelessness, confronting us with an abstract yet uncomfortable vision of human struggle. Full Review

April 11, 2007
Film4

Not exactly memorable, more of a small scale curio, but an interesting enough time-passer. Full Review

April 11, 2007
Time Out

Rocha's project is fundamentally political, and completely unambiguous: he faces up to the contradictions of his country in an effort to understand, to crush mystiques, and to improve. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
October 10, 2003
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Se este é realmente o melhor filme já realizado no Brasil, não posso dizer - mas certamente é um dos mais importantes e engajados.

Cole Smithey
March 16, 2008
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

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