Orfeu Negro (1959)

Orfeu Negro: Directed by Marcel Camus. With Breno Mello, Marpessa Dawn, Lourdes de Oliveira, Léa Garcia. A retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, set during the time of the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

“Black Orpheus is one of the truly great movies, and may be considered as part of the heritage of every true movie lover. The setting of the Orpheus story in the hillsides and streets of Rio, with the brilliant actors, is nothing short of a miracle. Everything in the movie is beautiful to look at, and the music becomes as much a part of the atmosphere as the very air these beautiful actors breathe. The final scene, with the children, being magically prepared to fall into the roles the adults have just left, must remain with the viewer as one of the most affecting things in this magnificent movie. Do yourself a great favor, and see it.”