Cast
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Willem Dafoe
as Diego Fairman
Maria Fernanda Cândido
as Livia Monteiro Bueno
Reynaldo Gianecchini
as Ricardo Steen
Selton Mello
as Common Man
Bárbara Paz
as Sofia Guerra
Guilherme Weber
as Antonio Fairman
Dan Stulbach
as Marcos
Gilda Nomacce
as Antonio's Wife
Tuna Dwek
as Gabi
Tania Khalill
as Rosemary
Maitê Proença
as Debora
Dalton Vigh
as Dr. Morris
Supla
as Paiva
Ary Fontoura
as Dudu
Rio Adlakha
as Hindu Friend
Crew
Director
- Héctor Babenco
Writer
- Héctor Babenco
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, My Hindu Friend examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Héctor Babenco 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of My Hindu Friend took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 169 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While My Hindu Friend shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Archive, which focuses more on action than character development, My Hindu Friend subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like James White and Freeheld explore similar territory, My Hindu Friend stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: March 3, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 49m
