Customer Reviews

Capitaes De Abril (Widescreen Edition)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Portugal, unlike Brazil, does not have a booming film industry. Films from Portugal are either poorly acted, boring, or confusing. Luckily Capitães de Abril doesn't disappoint. The film is serious in tone and nature as it talks about Portugal's Revolução dos Cravos (Carnation Revolution). Portugal finally decided to turn against the fascist government in power and grant liberty to it's 5 remaining African colonies.

The movie does a great job of representing the tension and the Portuguese people. The biggest complaint I can make is that the movie runs a bit long and could've used some concise editing. But other than that, this a good piece of historical Portuguese drama.

It has to be one of the few (if not the only) movies out on the events surrounding Vinte Cinco de Abril (April 25, 1974). I would say this movie was very well written and would recommend it to anyone interested in watching Portuguese language movies.

Many people in and outside Portugal will argue about Capitães de Abril. They'll say its too soft, or that it leaves out too many details, or that it simply doesn't capture the spirit of the Carnation Revolution of 74.

I really don't care what those people say.

I loved Capitães de Abril. This film gave new life to stories I had only heard from family members and read in books. I enjoyed it so much I find myself watching it every April with new eyes. Then I'll go to Lisbon and visit on the places you see in the film.

Interpreting history is always a tricky thing, especially when there are still so many people who lived it to criticize how the story is told. I think Maria de Medeiros and Joaquim de Almeida did an excellent job and beyond that, something very important with this film; a film that future generations can look to for a better or different understanding of just how Portugal came to be the country that it is today. And how revolutions can and should be beautiful occasions when freedoms can be renewed and culture can advance out of the dark ages.

Will I be able to watch this on my dvd player here in California? What kind of format is this PAL or NTSC?
thanks for the help.

Exciting thriller from director/writer/actress Maria de Medeiros that recounts the nearly bloodless coup that brought an end to four decades of fascist rule in Portugal. This is an event about which I remember nothing, in spite of being in high school at the time. I guess we were too wrapped up in Vietnam to pay attention to what was going on in the rest of the world.

At times nail-bitingly suspenseful, at others very, very funny, this film is a moving testament to the ability of little, seemingly insignificant people to bring about great changes. The scenes where the revolutionary army enters Lisbon and is joined by throngs of civilians ecstatic as they sense that years of oppressive rule are giving way to freedom are absolutely inspirational.

Stefano Accorsi is terrific as the heroic captain who leads the revolution, all the while trying to avoid bloodshed. Medeiros is equally fine as a professor who puts her life in jeopardy for the cause. Her writing and direction are splendid.

To be honest I had never heard of this movie, but decided to watch it because I am a fan of Accorsi. I'm certainly glad I gave it a try, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in history or just enjoys a good thriller.

Great product, couldn't believe you had this. Thanks for all the memories of my culture.