Quilombo

With its striking use of color, Quilombo is a captivating historical tale about runaway black slaves in 17th-century Brazil who escaped to the mountains and formed stronghold communities known as quilombos. Director Carlos Diegues, whose vibrant use of color and Brazilian music informed his satirical Bye Bye Brazil, brings his considerable cinematic gifts to epic storytelling here, and largely succeeds. The focus of the story is on Palmares, the most famous of the "Black Eldorados." Governed by the legendary chieftain Ganga Zuma, the inhabitants of Palmares attempt to stay one step ahead of their white oppressors, but are ultimately challenged by Spanish hunters who are relentless. Alternating between family scenes of a short-lived paradise infused with hope (yet burdened by dread) and futile political negotiations between whites and blacks, the tensions escalate until Palmares is attacked in a full-scale battle where spears are no match for cannons. Ultimately, however, it is the spirit of Palmares that cannot be extinguished. The longing for freedom, though continually trodden down, can never be completely checked. Quilombo is a joyous film to watch, spanning several decades, and filled with the infectious music and dance that emanates from the heart of Brazil. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman) [DVD Review—Oct. 4, 2005—New Yorker, in Portuguese w/English subtitles, 114 min., not rated, $29.95—Making its first appearance on DVD, 1984's Quilombo sports a nice looking transfer, as well as DVD extras including a 41-minute 'making-of' documentary, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine film.]