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Toni Garrido, Patricia Franca, Murilo Benício, Zezé Motta, Milton Gonçalves ... see more see more... , Isabel Fillardis

Legendary Brazilian director Carlos Diegues recasts the tragic myth of Orpheus in the shantytowns of Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. Orfeu de Conceicao is the most famous samba player in Brazil, and o... read more read more...ne of the most respected members of the neighborhood of Carioca Hill, a labyrinth of dirty streets and quickly made shacks ruthlessly controlled by drug lord Lucinho. Young Orfeu, though, lives a gilded life. He has his pick of a bevy of local beauties, children worship him, and the corrupt police will not harass him like the others in the area. During the run-up to Carnival, his world is turned upside down with the appearance of the gorgeous Euridice, who has just moved from the remote untamed hinterland of the Amazon. In spite of her indifference to samba music and her initial reluctance, the two soon fall passionately in love. Unfortunately, the violence of their surroundings threatens to overwhelm them. When Lucinho takes a liking to Euridice and challenges his former childhood friend, Orfeu is forced to endure a brutal test for his love. Orfeu was screened at the 1999 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Flixster Users

42% liked it

1,043 ratings

Critics

36% liked it

14 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 52 min.

Directed by: Carlos Diegues

Release Date: August 25, 2000

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DVD Release Date: February 12, 2002

Stats: 39 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (39)

  • InaHH
    February 26, 2006
    InaHH
    The cinematography and cast are great, the movie as such is really a little too arty for my taste. Still worth checking out for fans of Brazilian cinema.
  • kike2
    December 13, 2008
    kike2
    Shows that from ancient mythology to recent times in Brazil love hurts and one of the best soundtracks with nice scenes from Rio de Janeiro

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Critic Reviews

Rob Gonsalves
May 27, 2006
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

Colorful and vibrant, painting its story with bold, operatic strokes. Full Review

Liz Braun
March 15, 2002
Liz Braun, Jam! Movies

For this viewer, the attempted marriage of mythic qualities and gritty reality never quite works. Full Review

Maria Garcia
January 1, 2000
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International

A good soundtrack, colorful and skillfully designed sets, as well as excellent work by cinematographer Affonso Beato make Carlos Diegues' Orfeu a joy for the eyes and ears. Full Review

Steve Rhodes
January 1, 2000
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

A rambling, romantic tale that is laced with gratuitous violence. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
March 26, 2009
Todd McCarthy, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Kevin Thomas
August 15, 2002
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

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March 18, 2002
Globe and Mail

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March 16, 2002
Toronto Star

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Mick LaSalle
January 1, 2000
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Click to read the article Full Review

A.O. Scott
January 1, 2000
A.O. Scott, New York Times

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