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Lázaro Ramos, Marcelia Cartaxo, Flavio Bauraqui, Felippe Marques, Emiliano Querioz ... see more see more... , Renata Sorrah

João Francisco dos Santos was a figure of no small infamy in Brazil during the 1930s -- he was a flamboyantly gay drag performer who was also a notorious criminal, thoroughly unashamed of his sexual o... read more read more...rientation and willing to defend himself with deadly force if the situation demanded. Writer and director Karim Ainouz brings dos Santos' story to the screen in this vibrant drama seasoned with music and dance. A tall and physically imposing man, dos Santos (played by Lázaro Ramos) grew up poor on the streets of Brazil; and once he reached adulthood, he shared a home in one of Rio de Janeiro's less picturesque neighborhoods with a handful of friends, including Laurita (Marcelia Cartaxo), a streetwalker; her baby daughter; Taboo (Flavio Bauraqui), a nightclub performer who sometimes turned tricks for extra cash; and Renatinho (Felippe Marques), one of dos Santos' lovers. After landing a job at a nightspot called The Blue Danube, dos Santos grew fascinated with the elaborate costumes and choreography of the stage shows, and became a singer and dancer at the club. However, when the management declined to pay him, dos Santos took matters into his own hands and demanded his salary at knifepoint, leading to the first of many stays behind bars. Upon his release, dos Santos pledged to make his name as a cross-dressing entertainer, though his fiery temper made taking advantage of him a bad idea. Madame Satã was screened as part of the "Un Certain Regard" series at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

74% liked it

1,354 ratings

Critics

60% liked it

42 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Karim Aïnouz

Release Date: August 22, 2002

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DVD Release Date: January 13, 2004

Stats: 86 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (86)

  • DrBenway
    May 17, 2008
    DrBenway
    Very gritty film that takes place in the 1930's about João Francisco dos Santos, the legendary Brazilian cross gender dresser, pimp, loving father, outlaw and local hero who became Rio De Janeiro's Queen Of Carnaval in the 40's until his death in the 70's. The gay sex is very ra... read morew as is the lifestyle in the Lapa district of Rio. João Francisco dos Santos lived from 1900 to 1976, adopted about a dozen children and spent some 27 years of his life in prison.

    Most of the story here is Joao's struggle to overcome the cruelty that comes his way because he is black, poor and gay; endlessly fighting, defending himself and getting into trouble with the law because he refuses to be treated like a second-class citizen.
  • rubystevens
    May 14, 2008
    rubystevens
    lazaro ramos was fantastic as the kickass carnival queen. a really passionate, energetic and colorful film yet not at all what you'd expect from a transvestite's biopic
  • InaHH
    July 22, 2006
    InaHH
    Edgy, psychologically clever film, great actors. I like the choice of period (before he became famous, in 30's Rio), Lazaro Ramos is superb. Very intense and recommendable film.

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Critic Reviews

Liam Lacey
November 7, 2003
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Often captivating. Full Review

Curt Fields
October 10, 2003
Curt Fields, Washington Post

Director Karim Ainouz's film draws you in close.

Chris Vognar
September 25, 2003
Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News

It's a vivid, emotionally charged snapshot that makes no apologies or excuses for Madame's behavior and lifestyle. Full Review

Wesley Morris
September 21, 2003
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Madame Sata is only a chapter in Francisco's story, and even that feels incomplete. Full Review

Kevin Thomas
August 22, 2003
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

What emerges in Aïnouz and Ramos' mesmerizing portrait of Dos Santos is a fearless man who had the courage to explore and express every aspect of his being. Full Review

Roger Ebert
August 22, 2003
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

If we never really understand Joao, there is another problem with the character, and that is: He isn't very nice. I refer not to his crimes, but to the way he treats those who care for him. Full Review

Michael Wilmington
August 21, 2003
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

Keeps us engrossed, steeped in this seething portrait of a body and soul in lust and agony -- and, finally, on stage and in glory. Full Review

Steven Rea
July 31, 2003
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

As a celebration of a figure who fashioned his own identity from pieces of pop culture and street poetry, from song and fashion and fury, it's memorable.

Sheri Linden
July 16, 2003
Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter

An intensely realized, beautifully shot drama.

Edward Guthmann
July 11, 2003
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle

Brazilian filmmaker Karim Ainouz doesn't glorify dos Santos but examines the hot, reckless fever of his life in all its thorny complexity. Full Review

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