Watch Centro Historico

Centro Historico is an experimental film that showcases the contemporary face of Portugal. The film is directed by four different directors, Pedro Costa, Manoel de Oliveira, Vítor Erice, and Aki Kaurismäki, who work hand-in-hand to portray the country through their different perspectives. Each director brings his own vision and techniques to the screen, creating a unique and captivating experience for the audience.

The film is segregated into four different parts, each directed by a different director. Each part is shot in the old town of Guimaraes, Portugal, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The four parts follow four different characters, who are caught up in the complexities of their lives as they navigate through the historical center of the town.

The first part of the film is directed by Aki Kaurismäki, a Finnish director, who brings his trademark dry humor to the screen. His segment, called "The Tavern Man," focuses on a man who runs a bar in the historical center of Guimaraes. The man has a difficult time keeping his bar afloat, as more and more tourists start to flock to the area. He becomes increasingly frustrated with the situation as he struggles to find a solution. Kaurismäki's segment is full of laughs, but it also showcases the economic difficulties that many business owners face in a tourist-driven economy.

The second segment is directed by Vítor Erice, a Spanish director, who brings a more introspective perspective to the screen. His segment, called "The First Born," follows a young girl who lives in the historical center with her grandmother. The girl is trying to cope with the recent loss of her mother, and her grandmother is struggling to keep the family together. Erice's segment is a poignant exploration of grief and loss, set against the backdrop of the beautiful architecture of Guimaraes.

The third segment is directed by Pedro Costa, a Portuguese director, who is known for his exploration of marginalized communities. His segment, called "The Vengeance," follows a man who is seeking revenge on a former friend who betrayed him. The man is tormented by the past and the memories of his youth. Costa's segment is a haunting and somber exploration of the themes of betrayal and retribution.

The fourth and final segment is directed by Manoel de Oliveira, a Portuguese director who was 101 years old at the time of the film's release. His segment, called "The Conqueror," follows a young boy who is caught up in the complexities of daily life in the historical center. He becomes obsessed with a statue of a famous Portuguese conqueror, and his obsession leads him down an unexpected path. Oliveira's segment is a fascinating reflection on the history and cultural identity of Portugal.

Overall, Centro Historico is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that represents Portugal and its people in a truly unique way. The collaboration between the four directors creates a film that is greater than the sum of its parts, and the historical center of Guimaraes serves as the perfect backdrop for the exploration of complex themes and emotions. If you are looking for a film that challenges your perspective and expands your horizons, Centro Historico is definitely worth a watch.

Centro Historico is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.