Directed by Zeze Gamboa, this tale of emotional prosperity out of physical and social hardship is an impressive sample of what I hope is to come from Angolian cinema.
Set in post-war Angola, o Heroi follows the return of Victorio, a decorated war veteran. Having lost his leg to a land mine, Victorio returns to the city of Luanda in an attempt to find work and shelter. Proudly wearing his medal, his attempts to find employment are fruitless. Soon it becomes apparent that Victorio has now been shunned by the society he once fought for.
Beautifully intertwined are the stories of two other characters, the attractive yet naive schoolteacher Joana and the young, troubled street kid Manu.
Gratefully, untouched by the likes of Hollywood CGI action sequences or saccharine-sweet romantic interludes, this film is a rough diamond. A plot devoid of polish means that the actors are allowed to concentrate soley on the heart-felt portrayal of their characters.
The realism and no-holds barred attitude towards bringing the impact of the savageries of war upon society is what makes the film so striking.
Set in post-war Angola, o Heroi follows the return of Victorio, a decorated war veteran. Having lost his leg to a land mine, Victorio returns to the city of Luanda in an attempt to find work and shelter. Proudly wearing his medal, his attempts to find employment are fruitless. Soon it becomes apparent that Victorio has now been shunned by the society he once fought for.
Beautifully intertwined are the stories of two other characters, the attractive yet naive schoolteacher Joana and the young, troubled street kid Manu.
Gratefully, untouched by the likes of Hollywood CGI action sequences or saccharine-sweet romantic interludes, this film is a rough diamond. A plot devoid of polish means that the actors are allowed to concentrate soley on the heart-felt portrayal of their characters.
The realism and no-holds barred attitude towards bringing the impact of the savageries of war upon society is what makes the film so striking.
By Fly Global Music & Culture
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