Os Imortais (2003) Reviews

• A landmark on Portuguese cinema.

  engenheiro2004-11-07

  "Os Imortais" is without a doubt one of the best, or probably, the best Portuguese film ever made. It certainly is a landmark on the Portuguese cinema's scene; this movie his worth every minute. Every year, four ex-soldiers that call themselves "Os Imortais" (translated "The Immortals"), get together with four women to celebrate war deeds and to remember the old days, back in the war. On the summer of 1985, tired of their monotonous lives they decide to rob a bank. Joaquim Malarranha, a chief inspector from the local police about to retire, crosses their path and will spend his last days of duty trying to solve the robbery. But has he carries on with his investigation, he discovers more than he could ever think of. A movie that focuses on strange and disturbing actions of ex-soldiers on their attempt to fit in the modern society and to mend errors committed in the past, and on a veteran cop who's about to leave his working-life behind. João Pedro de Vasconcelos managed to assemble a cast with vast qualities; it's a pleasure to watch Nicolau Breyner's performance. The story is very solid and can really catch the viewer's attention; it keeps the anxiety of knowing what really happened during the robbery and the days that followed it. "A bandit always forgets that there is, at least, another bandit smarter than him."

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• An excellent Portuguese movie

  aaantunes2004-01-06

  Well, this is just an excellent movie from Vasconcellos. The characters are very well worked out, the actors are very good, especially Unas and Breyner. Towards the middle the film seems to become a little slow, but drama soon picks up again until the end. The exorcism of the African colonial war, where about one million Portuguese fought in the sixties and early seventies, is yet to be completed, but no doubt this film is an important contribution to the process. It depicts whit dark humor, disenchantment and a strange sadness the difficult lives that virtually all Portuguese had in the years after the war: those who fought in Africa; their relatives and friends in Europe; and those who lived in the colonies and had to return.

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• Simply one of the best Portuguese movies ever and a must-see

  Xerife2004-07-16

  For me, Os Imortais is one of the best Portuguese movies of all time and one of the best movies of 2003 in the world. The cast is excellent and António Pedro Vasconcelos does an amazing jog. Nicolau Breyner reveals himself as a fantastic drama-actor (much better than in his comedy roles). Emmanuelle Seigner shows us a great performance (great as the Ninth Gate one) and Rogério Samora and Joaquim de Almeida reassured that they are two of the best Portuguese actors ever. Rui Unas, the surprise (he is a famous TV talk-show host), gives us a remarkable Vítor Pratas with a great sense of humor. And with minor-roles occupied by actresses with the quality of Alexandra Lencastre and Maria Rueff, this movie surely proves that Portugal can make excellent cinema. If you see this movie, rent it or buy it and you'll see it's money well spent. I recommend this must-see to everyone who likes good movies, rather than popcorn American movies. Great director... Great cast... Great script... Great photography...

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• When old soldiers return home and have to find something to do ...

  joao_santo2003-11-12

  A great portuguese movie, with a great cast. Nicolau Breyner at his best. the movie turns around 4 ex-war soldiers, that, after returning home have to find something to do with their lifes. and what better thing to do than rob a bank after a trip to Algarve holiday´s paradise. Some good action and a quiet few scenes of hot sex !! A must...

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• This could be a Cohen Brothers Movie...

  mtiago2004-02-15

  I love the movies by the Cohen, and this great portuguese movie just reminded me of them. Why? You know that amazing feature of the Cohen's movies... to pick up or write a story, create a "carpet" (not Dude's one...!) and then put all sort of characters in it, each one unique, each one amazing... In "Os Imortais" that also happens and it's great how all those unique characters deal with each other. Very nice movie, indeed.

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