Review of Black Orpheus (1959) by Sherry L — 07 Sep 2009

Orfeu Negro is Marcel Camus sparkling version of the greek myth about Orpheus during the carnial in Rio de Janeiro.

Was a big success worldwide and won several prizes (an oscar for best foreign movie, and the palm d'or among others).

The movie starts with a young beautiful girl, named Eurydice attends to Rio de Janeiro at the climax of the carnival, to visit her free spirited cousin mainly, but also to have a good time at the carnival. At the same time Orpheus and his temperamental fiancée Mira are going to be engaged which Mira had just suggested. Licence now recieved, but Orpheus got no money to buy a ring, which Mira then takes care of.

Orpheus lives next door to Eurydice's cousin and immediately falls for her and charmes her by playing a tune on his guitar.

Orpheus and Eurydice have to fight for their love both against the vengeful Mira and death (a man in a skeleton suit) during this dazzling and colorful trip through the carnival.

Has gotten (unjustified if you ask me) critism for portaying the brazilian people as overly happy doing nothing but partying. I think there are several reasons why the actors are acting feverish and passionate. First of all this is cathegorised as a neorealistic movie which means they used amateur actors (which could mean more overacting then more routines actors). And what's more I don't think any of this is intended to appear too realistic since it's a mordern translation of a ancient tale.

It's beautiful filmed. Specially the surrealistic scenes, and we mustn't forget the nice soundtrack and the directors using of colors (eye candy!).

Even though the ending is about as tragic as in the tale, this is still a movie that makes you happy.

Really worth watching!