Review of Black Orpheus (1959) by Josh M — 01 Feb 2010

A lush, wondrous retelling of the Orpheus myth, with the setting moved to modern-day Brazil in the heart of Carnivale. My good friend Ryan, who recommended this to me, described Black Orpheus as "like watching paintings that move," and it's a perfect description, but even that doesn't give you a sense of the life that beats through every frame of Black Orpheus.

Anyone who knows the myth knows that the story is simple: a young musician falls in love with a beautiful young woman but must save her from Death by entering the underworld. What could have been a gimmicky updating (see: most modernized Shakespeare) instead feels natural and perfect, due in no small part to the charismatic, charming leads who truly bring their characters to life, both alluding to and deepening the mythic romance.

Of course, none of that takes into account the beautiful art direction - the stunning costumes, the constant music, and the cinematography that creates mythological realms out of staircases and parties.

I loved every second of it, up to and including the bittersweet ending.