MovieChat Forums > O Auto da Compadecida (2000) Discussion > question/background information

question/background information

posted 18 years ago by firemansfund78
3 replies | jump to latest

I am not Brazillian, born & raised in the United States. I lived in Brazil for one year, and I remember seeing this movie in the theaters & really liking it. I admit it was difficult for me to understand the cultural references, but I thought it was well done - It's been years since I've seen it and I still remember the end, where each person is somehow saved because of acts they had done right before they die. I would see it again, although my portuguese is quite rusty!!

Oh and I was surprised to see Matheus Nachtergaele again in City of God as Cenoura!!

Can anyone tell me who Lampiao was in Brazillian History?

[–] ari_the_xperson 18 years ago

In Brazilian history, or I should say, Northeastern Brazilian history, Lampiao is celebrated more as a legend than a person. He was an outlaw who had a 'gang' and would do pretty much what drug dealers do today. He is said to be one of the bravest men in Pernambuco (the state where he lived in), but few people know about his life. What I know about Lampiao is limited to fables, but he did have a wife called Maria Bonita (or Beautiful Maria), who is said to have been one of the most beautiful women in Pernambuco (though I highly doubt that). I really can't give you many facts, but there are several styles of dance dedicated to the "cangaceiro" way of life (which is what Lampiao and his band were called). They were like an unofficial militia in their area, taking from some, but protecting others (with some favors exchanged of course). So I guess you can say Lampiao is to Pernambuco like a less noble Robin Hood was to Sherwood Forest.

Who needs affection when I have blind hatred?

[–] paulolescaut 18 years ago

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampi%C3%A3o :)

[–] arquii 16 years ago

If you are referring the leader of the mob of "cangaceiros" (he is not identified as "Lampião"), it s Marco Nanini, one of the greatest brazilian actors.