Opera Do Malandro (1987)

Synopsis: Politics, nostalgia and pleasure mix in this very modernist look at the musical form. "Opera do Malandro" was based on Chico Buarque's stage play, which itself reworked Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera". The story... Politics, nostalgia and pleasure mix in this very modernist look at the musical form. "Opera do Malandro" was based on Chico Buarque's stage play, which itself reworked Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's "Threepenny Opera". The story takes place during World War II, just as Brazil was on the verge of deciding whether to support the Allies or the Axis powers. Max Overseas, a small-time thief and gambler, finds himself in way over his head when he becomes involved with Lu, the sharp, forward-looking teenage daughter of industrialist (and fascist) Otto Strüdell. Lu sees the future -- and it lies with the United States, capitalism, and a form of cheating beyond the dim-witted Max's (and her father's) dreams. As Max's prostitute lover, Margot, fights to hold on to him, the police chief Tigrao, himself corrupt, fights to capture him... and poor Max just struggles to keep up with Lu. [More]

Starring: Edson Celulari, Elba Romalho, Fabio Sabag, Claudia Ohana

Starring: Edson Celulari, Elba Romalho, Fabio Sabag, Claudia Ohana

Director: Ruy Guerra

Director: Ruy Guerra

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