The Deceased
1965 1h 36mDrama
7.67.1
Woman who is obsessed with death wants a first-class burial for herself, and even buys a luxury coffin beforehand.
Where to Watch The Deceased
- Steve GardenApril 29, 2025This strange, brilliant film is a subtly damning depiction of oppression, rich in Buñuelian echoes. The filmmakers used the unhinged condition of the central character to fashion a film with a subtext critical of the damaging twin deceptions of religion and economic deprivation.
- Ravi OliveiraJuly 23, 2026Synopsis: Zulmira is a woman who lives a simple and miserable life in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Despite all the hardships she faces, she dreams of having a luxurious funeral. However, upon learning that she is in good health, she is devastated and dies of tuberculosis. To fulfill her dream, her husband asks Guimarães, the richest man in the neighborhood, for money. Guimarães refuses to pay and reveals that he had an affair with the deceased, unaware that he is speaking to the widower. The husband, enraged, then begins to blackmail Guimarães. Review: "A Falecida" (The Deceased), directed by Leon Hirszman and released in 1965, is a masterpiece of Brazilian cinema that combines social criticism with a touching and engaging narrative. The film is based on the play of the same name by Nelson Rodrigues and stands out for its emotional depth and its audacious approach to themes such as love, jealousy, and betrayal. One of the main qualities of the work is its ability to capture the complexity of human nature. The protagonist, Zulmira, masterfully portrayed by Fernanda Montenegro, is a woman who experiences the dilemmas of passion and loneliness. Her performance is full of nuances, expressing the vulnerability and strength of her character, resulting in instant audience identification. The film's cinematography is another strong point. Hirszman uses angles and lighting that accentuate the dark and melancholic atmosphere of the narrative. The visual choices not only embellish the work but also reinforce the feelings of despair and longing present in the plot. The art direction and costumes complement this environment, immersing the viewer in 1960s Brazil, with its social dualities. Furthermore, the soundtrack is carefully crafted, creating an atmosphere that enhances the emotions experienced by the characters. The music, along with Nelson Rodrigues' sharp and ironic dialogue, adds a layer of depth that enriches the cinematic experience. Another aspect that deserves highlighting is the implicit social critique in the plot. The film addresses issues such as the hypocrisy of social conventions and the role of women in society at the time, reflecting a historical context that still resonates today. In short, "A Falecida" is a timeless film, combining a captivating narrative with a critical analysis of the human condition. It is an essential work for anyone wishing to understand not only Brazilian cinema, but also society and its complexities. A true gem that continues to fascinate and inspire new generations.
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The Deceased was released on September 22, 1965.
The Deceased was directed by Leon Hirszman.
The Deceased has a runtime of 1h 36m.
The Deceased was produced by Joffre Rodrigues, Aloísio Leite Garcia.
Woman who is obsessed with death wants a first-class burial for herself, and even buys a luxury coffin beforehand.
The key characters in The Deceased are Zulmira (Fernanda Montenegro), Toninho (Ivan Cândido), Timbira (Nelson Xavier).
The Deceased is a Drama film.
The Deceased has an audience rating of 7.6 out of 10.