Watch The Murmuring Coast

The Murmuring Coast is a Portuguese film from 2004 directed by Margarida Cardoso. The film follows the story of a family, the Ferreira's, living in Angola during the colonial period. The movie portrays the tumultuous era of the Angolan War of Independence, which began in 1961 and lasted until 1975, leading to the independence of Angola from Portugal.

The film revolves around the character of Maria, played by Beatriz Batarda, who is a young woman trying to find her place in the world. Maria is the daughter of an affluent Portuguese family that has lived in Angola for generations. She is engaged to Norberto, played by Filipe Duarte, who is also from an affluent family. Norberto is a supporter of the colonial regime and is oblivious to the growing tensions between the Portuguese settlers and the indigenous people.

Maria's world starts to unravel when she meets Carlos, played by Ivo Canelas, a young Angolan man who works for her father. Carlos is a member of the militant group, the MPLA, fighting for the independence of Angola. Maria becomes fascinated by Carlos and his cause, and soon finds herself drawn into the conflict.

The film explores Maria's struggle to reconcile her love for Norberto with her increasingly militant views. Maria becomes increasingly disillusioned with the colonial regime and the way in which the settlers treat the indigenous people. She starts to see the injustices of the colonial system, and the suffering of the people around her.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the stunning Angolan landscape, with its vast forests, blue skies, and sandy beaches. The cinematography is breathtaking, with the camera capturing the beauty of Angola, as well as the brutality of war.

The characters in the movie are complex and multi-dimensional, and the performances by the actors are outstanding. Beatriz Batarda delivers a powerful performance as Maria, conveying the character's internal conflict with honesty and depth. Filipe Duarte brings a sense of arrogance and entitlement to the character of Norberto, while Monica Calle shines as Maria's mother, a woman struggling to hold her family together in the face of overwhelming upheaval.

The Murmuring Coast is a captivating and thought-provoking movie that explores the themes of colonialism, love, and war. The film highlights the human cost of conflict and the struggles of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. The movie provides insight into a pivotal moment in history and offers a glimpse into the complexities of life during a time of upheaval.

In conclusion, The Murmuring Coast is a well-made and engrossing film that tells a compelling story. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Angola or colonialism more broadly. The film's exploration of the themes of love and conflict is poignant and provides a platform for meaningful reflection on these complex issues.