Black Orpheus

Black Orpheus

Year: 1959

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: Portuguese

RomanceDramaSong and danceCaptivating relationships and charming romanceDazzling vocal performances and musicals

Set against Rio’s vibrant Carnaval, young lovers Orfeu and Eurydice flee a hitman masquerading as Death while pursued by Orfeu’s jealous fiancée Mira. The film blends fantasy and stark reality in an impressionistic retelling of the Orpheus myth, and its soundtrack by Luiz Bonfá and Antonio Carlos Jobim introduced bossa nova to international audiences.

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Timeline & Setting – Black Orpheus (1959)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Orpheus (1959). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Carnival Season, Likely 1960s

The events take place during the Carnival season, a time of celebration, music, and dance in Brazil. The film reflects the cultural atmosphere of mid-20th century Rio, emphasizing traditional Afro-Brazilian music and festivities that define the era's lively spirit.

Location

Rio de Janeiro, Favela

The movie is set in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant city famous for its lively culture, iconic landmarks, and carnival festivities. The favela represents the bustling, lively, and sometimes impoverished neighborhoods that are central to the film's energetic backdrop. It showcases the community's strong musical and cultural traditions, especially during Carnival.

🌆 Urban 🎉 Carnival 🏚️ Favelas

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

Main Characters – Black Orpheus (1959)

Meet the key characters of Black Orpheus (1959), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Orfeu (Breno Mello)

A charismatic samba musician whose love for Eurydice drives the story. Orfeu embodies passion, charm, and a deep connection to his cultural roots. His journey reflects a tragic hero's struggle with love, fate, and supernatural forces.

🎶 Musician 🎭 Tragic hero 💃 Charismatic

Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn)

A young woman fleeing danger who finds love in Rio. Eurydice is innocent, vulnerable, and caught between safety and destiny. Her tragic end underscores themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural in Afro-Brazilian culture.

🌹 Love interest 🌿 Innocent 💔 Tragic

Mira (Léa Garcia)

Orfeu's fiancée, who is possessive and jealous. Mira's character highlights the complexities of love and fidelity, her actions ultimately contributing to the tragic climax.

💍 Fiancée 😠 Jealous 💔 Complex

Hermes (Alexandre Constantino)

The station guard who provides Orfeu with guidance and represents the bridge between the mortal world and the spiritual realm. Hermes embodies loyalty and the connection to Afro-Brazilian spirituality.

🚶‍♂️ Gatekeeper 🧙 Spiritual 🔑 Guide

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

Major Themes – Black Orpheus (1959)

Explore the central themes of Black Orpheus (1959), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Love and Tragedy

The film explores passionate love intertwined with tragedy, as Orfeu and Eurydice's romance faces threats from societal expectations, jealousy, and supernatural forces. Their love story echoes mythological themes of longing and loss, highlighting how love can transcend and ultimately succumb to tragedy.

🔥 Life and Death

Central to the narrative is the theme of mortality, depicted through Eurydice's death and Orfeu's grief. The film delves into the Afro-Brazilian spiritual beliefs about the afterlife, death's inevitability, and the desire for eternal love beyond mortal boundaries.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

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Unlock the Full Story of Black Orpheus

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Black Orpheus Summary

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Black Orpheus Summary

Black Orpheus Timeline

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Black Orpheus Timeline

Black Orpheus Spoiler-Free Summary

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Black Orpheus Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Black Orpheus

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More About Black Orpheus

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