116 of 1001 Movies: Black Orpheus (1959)

After reading a book set in the areas of Portugal and Brazil earlier this week it seems very fitting to have my first movie from Brazil pop up as well on the list. Marcel Camus directs this movie that is a retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.  The carnival atmosphere is nicely painted and, almost completely conceals the very dark backdrop in the movie. By the end it becomes very intense and, you feel so mad at certain characters.

Set in Rio, Orfeo is a trolley conducter and musician who is popular in the city for his music. He is also engaged to a very demanding woman, Mira. When he sees Eurydice though he becomes set on winning her over instead but, she is on the run from a stalker who has chased her from her other city. He finds that Eurydice is staying with Sarafina, her friend and, begins to further get to know her until she feels safe enough in disguise to the carnival with him. Death begins to pursue her again though and, Orfeo may be the only one able to protect her.