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Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands

Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands (1976)

After the death of her handsome but good-for-nothing husband Vadinho, Flor, a widow, marries Dr. Teodoro, a respectable gentleman. Hilarity ensues when Vadinho's spirit returns into her life.

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Directed by Bruno Barreto

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Bruno Barreto
Producer
  • Newton Rique
  • Luiz Carlos Barreto

Reviews

badelf
8/10

Two husbands are better than one. Still funny after all these years. This film, like Ofreu Negro, is permeated with the Afro-Brazilian spiritualism which is still present in much of Brazil. It helps to read the wikipedia articles first (because I had to stop the movie to learn who Ezu was): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macumba and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbanda.

Mar 13, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Bruno Barreto 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 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 1988 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1976, when this film was released:
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Scrooge, which focuses more on action than character development, Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like A Christmas Carol and Dhoom 2 explore similar territory, Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands 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: November 22, 1976
  • Runtime: 1h 57m

Where to Watch

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Film Movement Plus Amazon Channel

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