Cast
View AllNascimento Fernandes
as Plácido Mesquita
António Vilar
as Eduardo
Madalena Sotto
as Isabel Moreira
Carmen Dolores
as Mariana
Maria de Lourdes
as Laurentina
Lucília Simões
as D. Adelaide Mendonça
António Silva
as Saraiva
Francisco Ribeiro
as Jerónimo
Emília de Oliveira
as D. Gertrudes
Hortense Luz
as Maria
Amélia Figueiroa
as Joaquina
Crew
Director
- António Lopes Ribeiro
Writer
- André Brun
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Girl Next Door represents a fascinating example of Romance/Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director António Lopes Ribeiro brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1945, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Girl Next Door took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1945, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Girl Next Door shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kamen Rider Decade: All Riders Super Spin-off, which focuses more on action than character development, The Girl Next Door offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like In The Midst of Togetherness and Life Is Beautiful explore similar territory, The Girl Next Door stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 7, 1945
- Runtime: 1h 55m
