Madame Satã backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Madame Satã.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Madame Satã Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2002)

In the favelas of Rio de Janeiro of the 1930s, João Francisco dos Santos is several things — son of slaves, ex-convict, thug, homosexual and adopted father for a number of pariahs....

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Crime, Drama, Romance, History cinema, then Madame Satã offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2002 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Crime films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Romance films
Fans of History films

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Madame Satã (2002), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime, Drama, Romance, History. 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. "In the favelas of Rio de Janeiro of the 1930s, João Francisco dos Santos is several things — son of slaves, ex-convict, thug, homosexual and adopted father for a number of pariahs. João expresses himself on the stage of a cabaret as Madame Satã."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Lázaro Ramos does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Madame Satã worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama, Romance, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Madame Satã is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

105MIN

At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.