The 5 Must-See Portuguese Masterpieces Every Film Lover Should Watch

Portuguese cinema, frequently overshadowed, delves into deep subjects like identity and memory through an intimate style. Below are five movies that will acquaint you with the depth of Portuguese filmmaking and provoke thoughts on societal issues and personal identity.

Our Cherished Month of August (2008) by Miguel Gomes

This blended movie lies at the intersection of a documentary and another genre. Portuguese musical culture plus a made-up romance tale filmed in Portugal’s heartland over the summertime.

What makes this movie worth watching? Praised for merging documentary and narrative styles, it authentically portrays countryside living, traditional music, and the inviting atmosphere of Portugal’s summertime, providing a distinctive and lyrical perspective on regional customs.

Alice (2005) by Marco Martins

A dad whose daughter has gone missing keeps searching for her. in the streets of Lisbon Each day, he documents passersby in an effort to locate her.

What makes this film worth watching? As a psychological thriller, it delves deep into themes of obsession intertwined with pain, using visuals that echo the loneliness of Lisbon. The director, Marco Martins, received particular praise for his skillful guidance of the performers and his adeptness at conveying the haunting ambiance of a city shadowed by grief over losing someone dear who has vanished without trace.

The Gilded Cage (2013) by Ruben Alves

The movie narrates the journey of a Portuguese clan that has resided in Paris for many years. Upon being presented with the chance to go back to their native land, the family must make a difficult decision: stay in France or embrace their roots again.

What makes this movie worth watching? Despite focusing on a relatively small subject matter, Ruben Alves connects with viewers through a heartwarming comedic take on the experiences of Portuguese individuals living in France. Its genuine emotion and affectionate depiction of the Portuguese diaspora contributed significantly to its popularity.

Ossos (1997) by Pedro Costa

The movie takes place in the impoverished areas of Lisbon and revolves around a young pair struggling to make ends meet as they cope with the arrival of their new child amidst challenging circumstances.

What makes this film worth watching? Pedro Costa is celebrated for his minimalistic and realistic style, which he employs here to portray the deeply human stories of marginalized individuals with great empathy. Ossos One of his most iconic movies, due to its nuanced storyline and minimalist cinematography.

Arabian Nights (2015) by Miguel Gomes

Inspired by the narratives of "One Thousand and One Nights," this trilogy presents modern-day stories set in Portugal during an economic downturn, merging fantastical elements with societal truths.

What makes this series worth watching? It serves as an audacious commentary on contemporary Portuguese society. Through three parts and with a loose, innovative narrative approach, Miguel Gomes crafts a piece that is simultaneously lyrical and scrutinizing, earning praise across various global film events.