Is Alma e Corpo de uma Raça Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

📖 The Core Premise

Alma e Corpo de uma Raça returns to the screen in 1938, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Luizinho is a young man passionate about Flamengo, fortunate enough to have his education paid for by the club, and plays in the team's lower divisions. A pupil of Rubens, the two compete for a spot on the professional team. Until Rubens introduces his friend to the woman he's in love with, Maria Helena. The problem is that she was Luizinho's childhood sweetheart, and the encounter rekindles their passion. A conflict begins between the two players that will be decided on the field."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Lygia Cordovil attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Alma e Corpo de uma Raça worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Alma e Corpo de uma Raça misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 91 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.