The Cannibals
The Cannibals Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Cannibals
| Movie | The Cannibals |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Director | Manoel de Oliveira |
| Genre | Drama / Fantasy |
| Runtime | 95 minutes (1h 35m) |
| Language | PT |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Cannibals (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Cannibals are led by Luís Miguel Cintra . The supporting cast, including Leonor Silveira and Diogo Dória , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Cannibals stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Cannibals has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Cannibals
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, The Cannibals is a Drama, Fantasy film directed by Manoel de Oliveira, written by João Paes. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Luís Miguel Cintra as Viscount d'Aveleda.
Ending Explained: The Cannibals
The Cannibals Ending Explained: This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. Directed by Manoel de Oliveira, this 1988 drama film stars Luís Miguel Cintra (Viscount d'Aveleda), alongside Leonor Silveira as Margarida, Diogo Dória as Don João, Oliveira Lopes as The Presenter (lago). Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Cannibals?
This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes. Musically, it ranges from 19th-century romanticism to popular, modernist and even "post-modernist" styles. In the initially tame story, a host-narrator tells the story of a wedding between the two lovebirds: Viscount d'Aveleda and the beautiful Marguerite. However, what happens in the bridal chamber is incredibly bizarre. The events after that are even stranger, and the wedding guests and family indulge in cannibalism, among other perversions.
Manoel de Oliveira's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Luís Miguel Cintra (Viscount d'Aveleda)'s journey. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes.
How Does Luís Miguel Cintra (Viscount d'Aveleda)'s Story End?
- Luís Miguel Cintra: Luís Miguel Cintra's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Manoel de Oliveira delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 35m runtime.
- Leonor Silveira (Margarida): Leonor Silveira's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Diogo Dória (Don João): Diogo Dória's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Cannibals Mean?
The ending of The Cannibals ties together the narrative threads involving Luís Miguel Cintra. Manoel de Oliveira chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.
The Cannibals Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Cannibals Based on a True Story?
No, The Cannibals is a work of fiction. While the drama, fantasy film directed by Manoel de Oliveira and starring Luís Miguel Cintra may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Cannibals?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Luís Miguel Cintra or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Cannibals Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
FOD🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoThe Cannibals Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about The Cannibals age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Cannibals (1988) is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Directed by Manoel de Oliveira, the film runs for 95 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Cannibals is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cannibals worth watching?
The Cannibals is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Cannibals parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Cannibals identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Cannibals (1988)?
The runtime of The Cannibals (1988) is 95 minutes (approximately 1h 35m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
