A beautiful movie depicting the tirany of Portugal before the 25 of April 1974. A past that many prefer to forget and that also many want to bring back. A moving story of courage and rebellion against oppression. A proof that a single soul can make the difference.
Very well acted by Marcello Mastroianni as Pereira, and I particularly enjoyed watching a young Joaquim de Almeida as the bartender Manuel. The score is not particularly moving for Morricone, but it has moments of beauty such as in the collaboration with Portuguese singer Dulce Pontes, which can be heard when Pereira is listening to a track (A brisa do coração) in a record player in his living room. The portrait of the city, the environment and the attitudes is masterfully done, a faithful portrait of XX century Portugal. The moment in which Pereira decides to go for a swim is very amusing, for Pereira tries to show the lifeguard that he doesn't need floaties and can swim well, and in such showmanship he almost drowns, the actor captures it very well.
Very well acted by Marcello Mastroianni as Pereira, and I particularly enjoyed watching a young Joaquim de Almeida as the bartender Manuel. The score is not particularly moving for Morricone, but it has moments of beauty such as in the collaboration with Portuguese singer Dulce Pontes, which can be heard when Pereira is listening to a track (A brisa do coração) in a record player in his living room. The portrait of the city, the environment and the attitudes is masterfully done, a faithful portrait of XX century Portugal. The moment in which Pereira decides to go for a swim is very amusing, for Pereira tries to show the lifeguard that he doesn't need floaties and can swim well, and in such showmanship he almost drowns, the actor captures it very well.