When pondering the Portuguese language, images of azulejos, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Verde, Lisbon, and Latin music often come to mind. Yet, what we frequently overlook is Portuguese cinema, which includes Portuguese films from the Iberian Peninsula and Brazil. For those taking Portuguese lessons as a second language, immersing oneself in the sub-titled dialogue of Portuguese movies and documentaries is right up there with a grammar or vocabulary lesson.
All over the world, the film industry holds significant importance which can seamlessly integrate the language into daily activities. So, when settling in for an evening of binge-streaming, why not opt for a night of Portuguese movies instead? Not only will it provide entertainment, but it will also serve as an engaging and immersive medium for language acquisition.
Why Watch Portuguese Movies?
Even if you do not have an English-Portuguese dictionary, or an understanding of Portuguese culture you can still embark on an enjoyable and straightforward journey to learn the language through famous celebrities in Portuguese cinema.
If speaking Portuguese is not yet second nature for you or if you have difficulty understanding native Portuguese speakers, then immersing yourself in Portuguese films can prove invaluable. Movies for Portuguese language learners activates your passive vocabulary, facilitates comprehension of the language's rhythm, and helps to identify key words in a conversation. So, even if you're not yet well-versed in language tools or cultural intricacies, movies for Portuguese language learners can be a helpful gateway to mastering the language.
Through the lens of Portuguese film, you can expect to unfold the layers of a fascinating culture. In addition, watching documentaries or short films in the Portuguese can also be a delightful supplement for your Portuguese lessons.
Don’t be mistaken in thinking that Portuguese films have taken a back seat in the movie industry. In fact, let’s dive into a few masterpieces that include some of the best movies for Portuguese language learners.
The French-Portuguese Comedy, The Gilded Cage
This simple but charming film, filled with a cast of wonderful actors is one of the best movies for Portuguese language learners.
Released in 2013, "A Gaiola Dourada" or "La Cage Dorée" is a French-Portuguese comedy directed by Ruben Alves. Brimming with charm and energy, the film features a delightful soundtrack that incorporates various traditional and popular Portuguese music, including the soulful genre of fado, along with a lovely original score.
"The Gilded Cage" narrates the tale of a Portuguese immigrant couple residing in Paris. The wife serves as a concierge, while the husband works as a site manager. Their good-naturedness often leads to exploitation by others until they discover an unexpected inheritance—a house and a substantial sum of money from their Portuguese family. However, there's a catch: the inheritance is conditional on them relocating and residing in Portugal.
The film serves as a tribute to biculturalism and explores themes of emigration and identity with a delightful touch of humour. Directed by Alves, this wonderful piece of cinema is an excellent example of the complexities of the immigration experience.
The Strange Case of Angelica
Darker in tone than some, "The Strange Case of Angelica" (O Estranho Caso de Angélica) by Manoel de Oliveira, which premiered at the 2010 Cannes International Film Festival is a collaboration between France and Portugal film makers. This melancholic drama, a genuine gem for enthusiasts of more profound cinema, tells the story of a young Jewish photographer, Isaac, who seeks refuge near the town of Porto.
Isaac is approached by a family to capture photographs of Angelica, a recently departed young woman, lying on her deathbed. However, a peculiar turn of events unfolds as Isaac becomes infatuated with Angelica. Perceiving her as if she were still alive, Angelica begins to haunt his dreams. This unorthodox connection prompts Isaac to withdraw from the world and gradually become consumed by the desire for his own demise. "The Strange Case of Angelica" delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the haunting power of memories.
As a challenging and profound film that raises numerous questions and provides a unique vantage point for approaching the process of learning Portuguese. Through its exploration of identity, themes of impossible love, and a distinctive perspective on death, the film, regardless of personal liking, is certain to evoke a strong response and leave a lasting impact. It refuses to be overlooked, stirring a sense of introspection and contemplation and ensures that viewers are anything but indifferent to its narrative depth and thought-provoking elements.
Lines of Wellington
This 2012 historical fiction is a movie that unfolds against the backdrop of the third Napoleonic invasion of Portugal which aimed to topple the country's monarchy. Directed by Valéria Sarmento, who took over from her late husband Raoul Ruiz during filming, the narrative delves into a multitude of personal stories intertwined with the historical context.
Centred around both personal stories of individuals and the grander historical scope, the film features the Duke of Wellington, portrayed somewhat unexpectedly by John Malkovich. The Duke's efforts to drive the French armies back into Spain serve as a focal point and provide a grand celebration of Portugal's role in European history. The portrayal is often dark and moody, capturing the harsh reality of the burnt-earth policy during the general's retreat behind the lines of Torres Vedras.
Nominated for a Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival, the movie graced film festivals in San Sebastiàn, Toronto, and New York. While it was considered for an Oscar, it ultimately did not secure a nomination.
Tabu: A Portuguese-Speaking Film in Several Parts
There is no doubt, one of the best ways to pick up local Portuguese sayings is through supplementing your Portuguese lessons with movies for Portuguese language learners. And Tabu, is certainly one of those Portuguese films.
Released in 2012 and directed by Miguel Gomes, this film unfolds its compelling narrative in black and white to deliver a unique storytelling approach. The plot initially unfolds in Lisbon, where Aurora resides with her housemaid from Cape Verde, Santa. The first segment, titled "Paradise Lost," revolves around Aurora enlisting a neighbour, Pilar, to locate an old lover from her past. The search leads to the surprising discovery that he had spent a significant period in Mozambique, a former Portuguese colonies.
Transitioning into the second part, titled "Paradise," the film delves into the old lover's recollections, recounting the tale of how he and Aurora crossed paths in colonial Africa and the subsequent drama that tragically altered the course of their lives. With its unique narrative structure and evocative setting, the film under the direction of Gomes is one of the most distinctive Portuguese movies of our time.
Find out more about local Portuguese lessons here.
Portuguese Filmmaker Extraordinaire, João Pedro Rodrigues
The Ornithologist
When a Portuguese producer takes on the task of adapting a screenplay in their native language, it often leads to compelling outcomes—such as a film that serves as an inspiration to further explore the nuances of the Portuguese language.
Released in theatres in 2016, "The Ornithologist" is a Portuguese film directed by João Pedro Rodrigues. The narrative follows a young and enthusiastic ornithologist who embarks on a solitary expedition to study black storks in a natural reserve, armed with nothing but a kayak and a basic survival kit.
During his exploration, he is tossed from his kayak while navigating rapids, leaving him unconscious. His rescue by two young Chinese Christian women, who have lost their way on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, takes an unexpected turn when their true intentions toward the ornithologist unfold.
Dubbed as acclaimed Portuguese cinema, this film not only received a nomination for the Golden Leopard but also secured the award for Best Direction at the Locarno International Film Festival.
LGBT Portuguese Cinema, To Die Like a Man
In 2009, João Pedro Rodrigues added another notable film to his repertoire with "Morrer Como um Homem," which earned a spot in the "Un Certain Regard" category at the Cannes Film Festival, primarily due to its portrayal of sexual diversity.
The narrative revolves around Tonia (portrayed by Fernando Santos), a transsexual woman performing in a Lisbon cabaret, grappling with a career in decline. Pressured by her boyfriend to complete her transition, she finds herself confronted by a haunting past. While it was among the Portuguese submissions for the 83rd Academy Awards, unfortunately, it didn't secure an Oscar nomination.
Portuguese cinema, as evidenced by films like this, thrives on experimentation and inspiration and offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the language by listening to the language as spoken by native speakers.
If full-length Portuguese movies seem like too much as a supplement to beginner Portuguese lessons, you could try out animated shorts, documentaries and TV shows.
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