Watch Black Orpheus

Black Orpheus is a 1959 Brazilian-French film directed by Marcel Camus. The film is a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set against the backdrop of the colorful and vibrant Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. The film follows the story of Orpheus (Breno Mello), a handsome young musician who falls in love with Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn), a beautiful woman from the countryside who has just arrived in Rio. As they get to know each other, their love begins to blossom, but their happiness is short-lived when Eurydice is chased by a mysterious figure and meets a tragic end.

The film is a visual feast with its bright and colorful cinematography, lush landscapes, and vibrant sounds of samba music. The Carnival scenes are particularly captivating, with their lively music, dance, and costumes. The film features a mix of professional actors and real-life locals, making it a seamless blend of fiction and reality.

The themes of love, death, and fate are woven throughout the film, as Orpheus battles against the forces that threaten to tear him and Eurydice apart. Breno Mello's portrayal of Orpheus is both charming and vulnerable, as he navigates his way through the colorful and chaotic world of Rio's Carnival. Marpessa Dawn's Eurydice is shy and innocent, and her chemistry with Mello is palpable, making their love story all the more tragic.

The film is also notable for its portrayal of Afro-Brazilian culture, which is depicted in a way that is both authentic and celebratory. The film celebrates the music, dance, and customs of Rio's Afro-Brazilian community, making it a groundbreaking work in terms of representation and cultural heritage.

In addition to its innovative narrative and stunning visuals, the film is also well-known for its soundtrack, which features the music of legendary Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim. The film's use of samba music adds to the film's celebratory and festive tone, and its incorporation of traditional Brazilian instruments helps to create an authentic and immersive soundscape.

Overall, Black Orpheus is a groundbreaking film that captures the vibrancy, energy, and beauty of Brazilian culture. Its retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth is both tragic and magical, while its portrayal of Afro-Brazilian culture is authentic and celebratory. It remains a beloved classic to this day and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Black Orpheus is a 1959 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 81.