Genre: Drama
Director: Marcelo Gomes
Screenplay: Marcelo Gomes, Maria Camargo, and Gustavo Campos
Cast: José Dumont, Irandhir Santos, Hermila Guedes, Germano Haiut, Marcélia Cartaxo
Year: 2023
Duration: 95 min
In original version with English and Czech subtitles
RETRATO DE UM CERTO ORIENTE
"Retrato de um Certo Oriente" is a Brazilian drama that provides a profound look at cultural identity, family relationships, and personal memories. The film is set in contemporary Brazil and follows the story of a family with Arab roots, striving to maintain their cultural identity in the modern world.
The main character is Mariam (Hermila Guedes), a middle-aged woman who returns to her hometown to visit her ailing father. Her return evokes a series of childhood memories and the time when her family faced the challenges of immigration and integration into Brazilian society. Through retrospectives, viewers get to know her family's history, their traditions, and their struggle to preserve their cultural identity.
The film sensitively explores the theme of cultural heritage and identity, often confronted with modern values and changes. The performances, especially by Hermila Guedes and José Dumont, bring depth and authenticity to the characters. Director Marcelo Gomes creates a poetic yet realistic depiction of a family's life, trying to find a balance between the past and the present.
"Retrato de um Certo Oriente" is a touching and thoughtful film that offers not only a visually beautiful experience but also a deep insight into questions of identity, cultural heritage, and interpersonal relationships.