50 national films that value Brazilian cinema

Anyone who thinks that Brazilian cinema is not capable of making good cinematographic productions is wrong. To prove it, here we have selected 50 great Brazilian films, from different genres. The list is made up of films ranging from the year 1962 to 2017, in descending order, from the most recent to the oldest.

Films based on real events are the most exciting, in addition to those that make impactful social criticism with fascinating plots. Another highlight of Brazilian production are the films about the country’s historical periods. Watch the trailers and be amazed!

1. Like Our Parents (2017)

Directed by Laís Bodanzky, the film addresses the plot of the 38-year-old character Rosa, who unfolds herself in managing the conflicts of her life as a mother, wife, daughter and also in her professional career. Topics such as identity, feminism and the influence of technology on relationships are also addressed and encourage a great deal of reflection on women.

2. Malasartes and the Duel with Death (2017)

This incredible comedy/fantasy directed by Paulo Morelli, tells the story of Pedro Malasartes, a lucky cheater who always gets away with situations. He will have to face Prospero, an enemy who will do anything to prevent him from being with Áurea, in addition to having to face Death incarnate himself, who will have other plans for Malasartes to deceive him. Will the clever Malasartes come out of this mess unscathed?

3. Divine Divas (2017)

This is a fabulous documentary that follows the reunion of great artists of the 1960s, Rogéria, Valéria, Jane Di Castro, Camille K, Fujika de Holliday, Eloína dos Leopardos, Marquesa and Brigitte de Búzios. These names form the first generation of transvestite artists in Brazil, who lived through the heyday of cinema and theater, and now come together for a show, full of memories of a generation that revolutionized the moral thoughts of an era. Directed by Leandra Leal.

4. Electric Body (2017)

Elias works in a clothing factory, and with the end of the year, the pace of work is intense. After a night of working overtime, Elias and his co-workers decide to go out for a beer. This is where the character’s world is faced with a horizon of possibilities and encounters. The film is a representation of the LGBTQ+ universe, where sexuality is essential, but not the generator of conflict.

5. The Two Irenes (2017)

Spectacular drama written and directed by Fábio Meira. It narrates the story of Irene, a 13-year-old girl, who, in the midst of adolescence conflicts, discovers that her father has a second family and a daughter of the same age, who is also named Irene. In secret, she takes a risk to meet the other family, without revealing her identity, and ends up discovering that the other Irene is completely different from her.

6. The Movie of My Life (2017)

Directed and starring Selton Mello, O Filme da Minha Vida takes place in the Serras Gaúchas, in 1963, where young Tony returns to his city and discovers that his father has left for France without leaving any news. Tony is an accomplished dreamer, a French teacher passionate about books and movies. When the truth about his father begins to come out, Tony is forced to make certain decisions.

7. It Was The Cambridge Hotel (2017)

In this film by Eliane Caffé, the filmmaker brings together actors and non-actors to tell the story of residents, mostly refugees who arrived in Brazil, who occupy an abandoned building in São Paulo. They live in the face of the threat of eviction by state forces. In addition, the residents of the building will have to face their personal conflicts and learn to live with others.

8. The Silence of Heaven (2016)

Diana is a victim of rape inside her own home, but decides to keep the trauma a secret. Her husband Mario, who saw the act happening and didn’t react, also hides several secrets. The silence around the couple ends up making the relationship conflicted and a little violent. It is an impactful drama, with very expressive scenes and the atmosphere of suspense is always in the air. Directed by Marco Dutra. Available on Netflix.

9. Nise – The Heart of Madness (2016)

Doctor Nise da Silveira returns to a psychiatric hospital to work after being released from prison. Nise proposes a new treatment for schizophrenic patients, without the use of shocks or lobotomy. Her colleagues do not agree with her position, and end up leaving her aside. Nise ends up taking over another sector of the hospital, where she starts a new way with her patients, through love and art. The film is cataloged on Netflix.

10. The Cup Robbery (2016)

A comedy is based on the real case of the theft of the Jules Rimet Cup, given to the champions of the World Cup. Peralta receives an ultimatum from his girlfriend Dolores: it’s marriage or end of story. In debt, Peralta has a brilliant idea that would solve his problems. Peralta calls his friend Rubber to help him steal the Jules Rimet Cup from inside the CBF coffers. The film is available on Netflix.

11. Elis (2016)

An exciting biopic of the life of Elis Regina, directed by Hugo Prata. One of the greatest Brazilian singers of all time, who signaled the emergence of MPB. She lived through the clashes of the Military Dictatorship and struggled with her own personal demons.

12. Aquarius (2016)

Clara is 65 years old, a retired journalist, widow and mother of three adults. She lives in an apartment located on Av. Good trip, in Recife. A construction company is eyeing Clara’s building to build a new venture, with that, they managed to buy almost all the apartments, except hers. Clara begins to suffer harassment and threats to make her change her mind. Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho.

13. What Time Does She Come Back? (2015)

Val is a woman who left her family and a daughter in the countryside of Pernambuco to be a nanny in São Paulo, in search of financial stability. Thirteen years later, her daughter decides to go to São Paulo to take an entrance exam. Val’s employers welcome the girl into their home. It’s when the girl starts to take up a certain space in the house, breaking the protocol, circulating freely, as she shouldn’t, that’s when the situation gets complicated.

14. The Past Seller (2015)

Vicente sells pasts to people, he specializes in creating fictional versions of life stories, creating documents, photos, records, whatever is necessary to rewrite someone’s past. Clara, an intriguing client arrives with an unusual request: that in her past she has committed a crime. This drama is an adaptation of the book by José Eduardo Agualusa.

15. Tim Maia (2014)

Biography of controversial singer Tim Maia, based on the book “Vale Tudo – O Som e a Fúria de Tim Maia”. The film chronicles the artist’s life, from his childhood to his death at the age of 55. The plot is fun and translates the singer’s conflicts and personality well. Directed by Mauro Lima.

16. Getúlio (2014)

The film is inspired by the life of Getúlio Vargas, the then president of Brazil, in his last days of life. In the midst of a political crisis, and accused of the attack on journalist Carlos Lacerda, Getúlio makes the decision to commit suicide. A great film to learn a little more about the history of Brazil, but also to see the man behind the president. Available on Netflix.

17. German (2014)

Five police officers are infiltrated in Complexo do Alemão, shortly before the invasion of the police and the army in 2010. Unmasked by the drug traffickers, they are imprisoned and await the fate of their lives, which is either in the hands of the bandits or in the police forces, if they were to rescue them. .

18. Praia do Futuro (2014)

Donato is a lifeguard at Praia do Futuro, in Fortaleza. When he misses a rescue for the first time, Donato meets Konrad, a German speed motorcycle racer, friend of the drowned man. Donato leaves with Konrad for Berlin, abandoning his younger brother, who was very fond of Donato. Years later, Donato’s brother, Ayrton, already a teenager, goes in search of Donato to settle accounts with the one he considered his hero.

19. The Wolf Behind the Door (2013)

The disappearance of a child takes Bernardo, the father, Sylvia, the mother, and the lover Rosa, to the police station for questioning. The trio’s testimony involves lies, love, revenge and jealousy. As characters tell their versions of the story, flashbacks illustrate their points of view. Directed by Fernando Coimbra, this is one of those films that make a thought-provoking and intelligent use of space outside the frame.

20. Faroeste Caboclo (2013)

Faroeste Caboclo tells the saga of João do Santo Cristo, written by Renato Russo in one of the greatest hits of Legião Urbana. The protagonist leaves his hometown and goes to Brasília in search of a better life. There, he is faced with misery and crime, and he also finds love in the arms of Maria Lúcia. This movie is available on Netflix.

21. We’re So Young (2013)

A film that portrays the past of singer, songwriter and poet Renato Russo. The feature features the first chords of the myth Renato Russo and the group of Rock Brasília, creators of hits like “Que País é Este”, “Geração Coca-Cola”, “Eduardo e Mônica” and other songs that marked generations.

22. Time and the Wind (2013)

Another great literary classic that goes to the movies. The plot takes place in Rio Grande do Sul, at the end of the 19th century. The Amaral and Terra-Cambará families are historical enemies in the city of Santa Fé. The Amarals decided to surround the Terra-Cambará house, and they have to defend themselves. In the midst of this confusion, Bibiana, the matriarch of the family, receives a visit from her late husband, Captain Rodrigo, and together they remember their love story and also how the Terra-Cambará family was born.

23. Serra Pelada (2013)

Film based on the stories lived by prospectors in the golden age of gold in Serra Pelada. The film shows the saga of Juliano and Joaquim who discover Serra Pelada, the largest open-air mining site in the world, in the state of Pará, and decide to go there in search of wealth. Once there, everything changes in their lives.

24. The Sound Around (2012)

Life on a middle-class street in the south of Recife takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a militia that offers the peace of private security. The presence of these men brings tranquility to some, and tension to others. It is a Brazilian chronicle, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, which reflects on history, violence and noise, using sound in an unconventional way in cinema.

25. Gonzaga – From Father to Son (2012)

Based on conversations between father and son, the film narrates the life of singer and accordionist Luiz Gonzaga, known as O Rei do Baião or Gonzagão, and his son, popularly called Gonzaguinha. Gonzaga leaves his son in the care of friends in Rio de Janeiro and goes on the roads of Brazil to pursue his career. What he didn’t realize was that the distance between them would result in a complicated relationship.

26. The Clown (2011)

Film directed and starring Selton Mello, tells the story of Benjamin and Valdemar, the clown duo Pangaré e Puro Sangue, from Circo Esperança. In the midst of an existential crisis, Benjamin no longer sees the fun in life. His father and his friends say he needs…