José Henrique Fonseca crafts an ambitious and long overdue homage to a central icon in Brazil’s 20th century history. Reminiscent of film noir classics, the biopic tells the glorious and tragic story of the legendary football striker Heleno de Freitas. The sumptuous black and white cinematography reflects the chic life of Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s as it fell under the spell of sports royalty. Heleno was no doubt one of the most popular players of his time for his bravura in the field and magnificent goal-scoring that lead the Botafogo team to the top and himself into a vicious downward spiral.
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Memorable, crazy movie
Absolutely brilliant
A Disappointing Continuation
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
The first time I saw Heleno on DVD, it was disturbing and haunted me for months. By the fourth time, I was able to view it more objectively, specifically to see if there were not enough soccer scenes. The balance of scenes on and off the pitch is about right, but I agree with others that more soccer would be better. The contrast of black and white gave the film an edginess not possible with color. The photographs at the end contributed to the overall balance of emotion. Rodrigo Santoro was unbelievably superb and the actresses, Aline Moraes and Angie Cepeda complemented him well. Would we like to see more of him playing soccer? Sure, in another movie or as an added feature on the Heleno DVD. I recommend all of Santoro's films.
In the 1980s I and a friend read about Heleno, and thought about buying the rights to do a film about him. Somebody which was an expert on the subject put us off by stating we needed a lot of time,full dedication and financial resources to do that. We had none of that and gave up, but I always had in my mind a film about Heleno. And this I can say: This film came out much better than what I had in mind. Most important point: I dreamed about a film showing a lot of the football game itself, and I learned with time that although a game in real life is one of the most exciting feelings you will ever experience, it does not work the same way in a movie. And the film Heleno shows everything else so well, Heleno 's character above all which did not combine with the rest of the team, too individualistic. His womanizing, he had it all, fame and beauty. And above all how glory comes to people at certain moments, and some cannot accept that it is not eternal. A great film showing so well the Rio of the 40s in great black and white cinematography.
One of the best Brazilian films in years! Rodrigo Santoro is stunning. Surely the best role of his career! The story of the controversial soccer player, Heleno De Freitas, is worthy of a movie - done in black and white - which has a photograph and a sensational flawless direction. You want to see again to repair more in detail and beauty that it exudes.Surely, after passing through the film festivals around the world, will return to Brazil with a suitcase full of much-deserved awards. Do not forget to watch the movies this wonderful work of art.The Brazilian Cinema is coming with everything this year, please get out of the way!
Vintage black and white, beautifully shot. Fonseca and Santoro were both present at the Sept 14 Premiere at TIFF. They were very concerned in making this an accurate as possible biography of this syphilitic, arrogant Brazilian footballer. Santoro lost 30 pounds over the three months of shooting. Oscar might be calling in the wings. Beautiful portrayal of the club and beach scene of Rio in the1940's.Heleno was aggressive and driven, very much a fanatical Botafogo player first, but aspiring to win the world cup, which he never accomplished. This was the time when the Maracana was being built, the 200,000 capacity stadium on the other side of the Corcovado from the beaches of Copacobana and Ipanema. Heleno only played there once, as demons chased him to the Sanitorium and death..
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