Al Berto (Portuguese)

So, I did not know anything about the film when I started watching it. It felt as if it seems like a true story, a biopic of sorts, with scenes moving along at a fast paced. It felt, as audience we were supposed to know the context of the area and the times. Thirty minutes into the film, I decided that I need to read a little bit more about the film before I continue to watch. And I am happy I did that because suddenly the film started making a lot more sense. Al Berto is one of Portugal’s best-known poets and the film focuses on his youth immediately after the Portuguese revolution of 1974.

in 1975, Al Berto decided to return to his childhood town of Sines as his base to become a writer after spending time in Brussels. He stays in his family mansion which was seized by authorities during revolution and is now empty. Once there, he starts befriending like-minded individuals who are into poets, arts, eccentricity and sexuality. He meets João Maria and the two men have an instant connection and fall head over heels in love with each other. Al Berto is fearless yet a kind hearted revolutionist who is happy to share his space with locals but most locals do not appreciate the youthful vibrancy that comes along with Al Berto. Another important character of the film is Sara, a young woman who dreams of a better life but faces a moral dilemma because of her own working class background. The film largely focuses on the romance between João Maria and Al Berto and how it progresses. The y have fights, especially when João Maria cheats on him but as someone says, Its not easy to be in love. And they get back together and together they always provide Sines with its well-deserved trendy scene. The open relationship between two soon leads to more conflicts and ultimately the group starts to separate. And eventually Al Berto leaves his lover to go back to his safe place.

As I said before, a bit of context on the poet and the political situation of Portugal will help grasp this film better. The chemistry between Al Berto and João is killer. The intimate scenes between them are some of the film’s finest moments and you can almost feel the heat from your screen. João is unbelievably good looking and both the actors have put up an absolutely incredible performance. I believe its both their first film. Al Berto is brave but naive. He loves João but finds it hard to trust him and eventually leaves him. Sadly, as a viewer I connected with João's character more than of Al Berto. But the fim is not just about gay romance. Yes, thats the pretty strong element but its a portrait of youth and the film is a portrait of the artist as a young man. Its about post-revolution when free people wanna be free and do as they please and after effects of dictatorship are still seen. What is captured really well here is the ‘anything goes’ attitude of the community during this time period. While it’s important to live your truth and embrace an authentic life, you can’t always control the outside influences and pressures that come with it. Al Berto is painted here very much as an idealist rather than a realist, and by the end of the film that becomes his downfall.

I will strongly recommend the film. Finding faults with the film is hard. Its about the beauty of love, thoughts, relationships and freedom. Go for it. (8/10)