I really enjoyed how this film uses experimental filmmaking techniques while focusing on political and social issues in Brazil. These directors, Glauber Rocha, nelson Pereira dos santos and Carlos Diegues, embraced the real and rawness of Brazil. Almost a documentary like approach creating a sense of realism in the film, and doesn’t have a linear story telling. I feel like this style was heavily influenced by Brazils military dictatorship which inspired the filmmakers to find a new form of resistance against authority. It really brought me closer to the harsh realities of life in Brazil in 1960s. The establishing shots, the contrast used to show brazils landscape while also showing the struggles of Brazilian people gave the film space and scale. Cinema Novo is known for “aesthetic of hunger” emphasizing deep poverty as well as inequalities faced by many. There’s also a lot of religious symbolism throughout the film. Overall this film breaks away from traditional Hollywood conventions and focuses on a more personal and politically charged form of cinema.

Madison Reed