Central Station 4K 1998

What thoughts come to mind when you hear the phrase “Brazilian cinema”? I bet you imagined the telenovela industry, a giant factory of soap operas exported to many countries around the world. After watching Central Station, you will discover another side of national cinema—the era of “new Brazilian cinema,” or in other words, the “underground” movement, which has won numerous awards at the most prestigious international film festivals.

After a difficult journey, through misunderstanding and unwillingness on the part of many to accept the unvarnished world of cinema and television series, and the harsh reality of a country where 22% of the population lives below the poverty line, Brazilian cinema has gained new strength and social significance. It was with Central Station that the era of lyrical and very sincere Brazilian cinema began.

This is a very sad story about how a ten-year-old boy, who unexpectedly lost his mother, is left alone to face human cruelty and hunger. Soon he falls into the hands of the cynical old woman Dora, who hides behind her outwardly kind intentions a desire to profit, even in such a despicable way as selling Josué to child traffickers. But even the most hardened soul is capable of compassion, as Central Station shows.

This measured road movie, with its occasional comedic situations, gradually turns into a social drama that encompasses not only the relationship between Josué and Dora, but also many other stories: from letters dictated by illiterate poor people to interesting encounters on the road. In this film, the road is just a backdrop against which subtle dialogues between the characters unfold, and their small tragedies and joys take place.

Undoubtedly, the outstanding role went to one of the strongest actresses in Latin America, Fernanda Montenegro. The actress brought to life a very interesting character of a woman who desperately clings to her own life while completely denying others the same right. Her transformation by the end of the film is quite predictable, but nevertheless evokes genuine admiration, and her Oscar nomination for Best Actress only confirms this fact.

Central Station is an extremely worthy and touching feature film by Walter Salles and remains an incredibly truthful film about mutual aid, kindness, and selflessness.