11 Best Walter Salles Films: The Soul of Latin American Cinema

Walter Salles is a Brazilian filmmaker known for his humanistic approach to storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience on screen. Here are some of his best films:

Central Station (1998): This film tells the story of a former schoolteacher who writes letters for illiterate people at Rio de Janeiro’s main train station.

When one of her clients is killed in a bus accident, she takes the man’s young son on a journey to find his father’s long-lost family. The film is a moving exploration of human connection and the search for family and belonging.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004): This film is based on the true story of a young Che Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado, who travel across South America on a motorcycle in the early 1950s.

The film explores the political and social realities of the continent, and traces Che’s evolution from a medical student to a revolutionary icon.

Behind the Sun (2001): Set in rural Brazil in the early 20th century, this film tells the story of a young boy who is caught in a cycle of violence and revenge between two feuding families.

The film is a powerful exploration of the consequences of violence and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation.

Best Walter Salles Films

Salles’ films are marked by their sensitivity and compassion for the human experience, and their ability to convey the complexities of the world in which we live.

His work often explores themes such as family, identity, and social justice, and his films are known for their powerful and moving portrayals of the human condition.

1. Foreign Land (1995)

Foreign Land (Terra Estrangeira) is a 1995 Brazilian drama film directed by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas.

The film tells the story of Paco, a young man in São Paulo whose Spanish mother has always longed to see San Sebastián again. After her sudden death, and with their savings frozen by the Collor government, he agrees to carry a mysterious package to Lisbon in exchange for the fare.

In Portugal the handoff collapses. Paco meets Alex, a Brazilian waitress already living in exile there, and the two are drawn into the pursuit of the missing package as they try to reach Spain.

Foreign Land is a powerful exploration of the experiences of immigrants and exiles, and the search for identity and belonging in a world that is often hostile to those who are different.

The film is marked by its strong performances, its evocative visual style, and its ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.

It is a poignant and thought-provoking film that offers a moving portrait of the struggle for self-discovery and human connection.

2. Central Station (1998)

Central Station is a 1998 Brazilian film directed by Walter Salles. The film tells the story of Dora, a retired schoolteacher who writes letters for illiterate people in Rio de Janeiro’s Central Station.

One day, she agrees to take a young boy, Josué, to his father in the Northeast of Brazil, but ends up on a journey of self-discovery and emotional transformation.

If you like Walter Salles’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.

The film is notable for its powerful performances, especially by Fernanda Montenegro, who plays Dora, and Vinicius de Oliveira, who plays Josué.

It also offers a moving portrayal of the lives of ordinary people in Brazil, exploring themes such as poverty, family, and human connection.

Central Station was a critical and commercial success, both in Brazil and internationally. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, and won the Golden Bear at the 1998 Berlin International Film Festival.

The film remains a beloved classic of Brazilian cinema, and a testament to the power of human connection to transform lives.

3. Midnight (1998)

Midnight (O Primeiro Dia) is a 1998 Brazilian-French drama directed by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas, made for the French series 2000, Seen By….

On 31 December 1999, João, a prisoner who has escaped a Rio de Janeiro jail, and Maria, a middle-class teacher abandoned by her partner, meet on the roof of her Copacabana building as the millennium fireworks begin. He is running from men sent to kill him; she is close to giving up. Fernanda Torres plays Maria, and Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos plays João.

Midnight is a short, urgent portrait of Rio on the last night of 1999, and of two people the city would not otherwise let meet.

4. Behind the Sun (2001)

Behind the Sun is a 2001 Brazilian film directed by Walter Salles, based on the book Broken April by Ismail Kadare. The film tells the story of a family living in the arid and impoverished interior of Northeast Brazil in the early 20th century.

Tonho, a son of the Breves family, is ordered by his father to kill a man from the neighboring Ferreira clan and avenge an older brother, continuing a blood feud the families will not end.

The film explores themes of family, tradition, and the human cost of violence. It is known for its beautiful cinematography, which captures the harsh beauty of the Northeastern landscape, and for its powerful performances, especially by Rodrigo Santoro, who plays Tonho.

Behind the Sun was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was nominated for numerous awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

The film is a moving and powerful meditation on the cycles of violence that can trap families and communities in poverty and despair.

5. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries is a 2004 biopic directed by Walter Salles, based on the early life of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

The film follows a young Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado as they set out on a road trip across South America on a motorcycle in the early 1950s.

The trip proves to be a life-changing experience for Guevara, as he encounters the social and political realities of the continent, and becomes increasingly radicalized in his views.

The film is notable for its evocative portrayal of the landscapes and cultures of South America, as well as its powerful performances and its exploration of the themes of social justice and revolution.

The film captures the spirit of adventure and idealism that characterized the youth of Guevara, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the early life of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.

The Motorcycle Diaries is a poignant and thought-provoking film that offers a moving portrait of the human experience, and the search for meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.

It is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty and complexity of South America, and provides a unique and insightful perspective on the life of one of history’s most controversial and influential figures.

6. Dark Water (2005)

Dark Water is a 2005 American horror film directed by Walter Salles and starring Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, and Tim Roth.

The film tells the story of a young mother, Dahlia, who moves into a rundown apartment building with her daughter after a difficult divorce.

Strange and unsettling occurrences begin to happen in their new home, including leaks from the ceiling that seem to be linked to the mysterious disappearance of a young girl who once lived in the building.

Dark Water is a remake of the 2002 Japanese horror film of the same name, directed by Hideo Nakata.

Reviews were mixed. Critics often praised the atmosphere and Connelly’s performance, and often found the film short on scares.

The film explores themes of motherhood, divorce, and the psychological toll of trauma. It is a haunting and eerie film that uses the conventions of horror to delve into deeper emotional and psychological terrain.

7. Paris, je t’aime (2006)

“Paris, je t’aime” is a 2006 anthology film directed by various filmmakers, including Walter Salles. The film consists of 18 short films, each set in a different neighborhood of Paris and featuring a different cast of characters.

The shorts are connected by the theme of love and explore a range of relationships, emotions, and experiences.

Salles and Daniela Thomas’s segment, Loin du 16ème, follows Ana, a young immigrant nanny. She sings a Spanish lullaby to her own baby, leaves the child at a daycare, and crosses Paris to a wealthy home in the 16th arrondissement, where she sings the same song to her employer’s baby.

The segment explores maternal love, class, and the distance between those two households.

The film is notable for its diverse range of styles and tones, and its exploration of the many facets of love and human relationships.

The segments range from light-hearted and humorous to dark and introspective, and the film as a whole provides a rich and textured portrait of the city of Paris and its inhabitants.

“Paris, je t’aime” is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty and vibrancy of Paris, and provides a unique and insightful perspective on the human experience.

It is a poignant and thought-provoking film that celebrates the power of love and connection in a world that is often alienating and fragmented.

8. To Each His Own Cinema (2007)

To Each His Own Cinema is a 2007 anthology film featuring 33 short films by different directors from around the world, all commissioned to create a short film about their love for cinema—Walter Salles directing À 8 944 km de Cannes (5,557 Miles from Cannes).

The film was produced in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival and was premiered at the festival.

Each of the short films in To Each His Own Cinema is unique in style, tone, and subject matter, but all share a deep love and appreciation for the art of cinema.

The film features contributions from directors such as Wong Kar-wai, Lars von Trier, David Lynch, and the Coen brothers, among others—Salles’s Brazilian roadside-cinema vignette in the mix.

To Each His Own Cinema is a celebration of cinema as an art form and a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of the movies. It is a film that will delight and inspire cinephiles and anyone who loves the magic of the silver screen.

9. Linha de Passe (2008)

Linha de Passe is a 2008 Brazilian film directed by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas. The film tells the story of a working-class family living in São Paulo, Brazil.

The mother, Cleuza, works as a maid while trying to raise her four sons on her own, each with his own dreams and struggles.

The film explores themes of family, class, and the search for personal identity. It is notable for its realistic and honest portrayal of life in São Paulo, one of Brazil’s largest and most diverse cities.

The film’s powerful performances and naturalistic style help to bring the characters and their world to life on screen.

Linha de Passe was well-received by critics and audiences, and was nominated for numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

The film is a moving and insightful look at the challenges and joys of family life, and a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.

10. I’m Still Here (2024)

I’m Still Here (Ainda Estou Aqui) is a 2024 drama directed by Walter Salles, from a screenplay by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir.

In Rio de Janeiro in the early 1970s, former congressman Rubens Paiva is taken from his home by the military dictatorship and never returns. The film stays with his wife, Eunice, played by Fernanda Torres, as she raises their children and spends decades demanding to know what happened to him. Fernanda Montenegro plays Eunice in later life.

The film premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where it won the award for best screenplay. Torres won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. At the 97th Academy Awards the film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress and won Best International Feature Film, the first Brazilian production to win an Academy Award.

11. On the Road (2012)

On the Road is a 2012 film directed by Walter Salles, based on the classic novel of the same name by Jack Kerouac.

The film follows the story of Sal Paradise, a young writer in the 1940s who becomes friends with Dean Moriarty, a charismatic and reckless free spirit.

Together with a group of like-minded friends, they embark on a series of road trips across America, exploring the country and their own inner selves.

The film captures the spirit of the Beat Generation and their quest for freedom and self-discovery, as well as the social and political realities of post-war America.

It features a talented cast, including Sam Riley as Sal, Garrett Hedlund as Dean, and Kristen Stewart as Marylou. Reviews were mixed: the film was often called handsome and respectful of the book, and often said to miss Kerouac’s energy.

The film is notable for its evocative portrayal of the landscapes and cultures of America, and its exploration of the themes of freedom, rebellion, and self-discovery.

It is Salles’s screen version of one of the most iconic works of American literature.

On the Road is a poignant and thought-provoking film that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the human quest for meaning and purpose.

It is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty and complexity of America, and provides a unique and insightful perspective on the human experience.

3 Characteristics of Walter Salles Films

Walter Salles is a Brazilian filmmaker known for his visually stunning and emotionally powerful films. Here are three characteristics that can be seen in many of his works:

Social Realism: Many of Salles’ films explore the lives of ordinary people living in difficult circumstances, often in working-class neighborhoods or rural areas.

He often depicts the social and economic inequalities that exist in Brazilian society, and his films highlight the struggles of people who are often overlooked or ignored by mainstream media.

Emotional Authenticity: Salles is known for his ability to create emotionally powerful films that resonate with audiences.

He often uses naturalistic performances and intimate cinematography to bring his characters and their worlds to life on screen.

His films are deeply human and explore universal themes such as family, love, and identity.

Cinematic Beauty: Salles is also known for his stunning visuals and use of location as a character. He often uses real-world settings to create a sense of place and employs long takes and smooth camera movements to immerse the viewer in the world of his films.

His films are visually poetic, using light and color to create mood and atmosphere.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Walter Salles Films

Here are three reasons why you should watch films by Walter Salles:

Authentic Portrayals of Brazil: Salles is a master at capturing the essence of Brazilian culture, from the music to the architecture to the people.

His films offer a nuanced and authentic portrayal of Brazilian life, and they give viewers a glimpse into a world that they might not otherwise see.

Emotionally Powerful Storytelling: Salles’ films are known for their powerful emotional impact. He creates stories that are deeply human and relatable, exploring universal themes such as family, love, and identity.

His films are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches them.

Visually Stunning Cinematography: Salles is also known for his visually stunning films.

He uses beautiful locations and cinematography to create a sense of place and mood, immersing the viewer in the world of the film. His films are a feast for the eyes and offer a truly cinematic experience.

Overall, Walter Salles’ films are beautiful, emotional, and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on Brazil and the human experience.

If you’re looking for films that are both visually stunning and emotionally impactful, Salles’ films are not to be missed.

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Best Walter Salles Films – Wrapping Up

Walter Salles is a highly respected Brazilian film director who has made many notable contributions to the world of cinema.

His films often explore themes of social and political justice, as well as the complexities of the human experience. Some of his best works include:

Central Station (1998): This film tells the story of a cynical and bitter retired schoolteacher who befriends a young boy, and helps him to find his long-lost father.

The film explores themes of redemption, compassion, and the transformative power of human connection.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004): Based on the memoirs of Che Guevara, this film follows the journey of a young medical student and his friend as they travel across South America, witnessing the social and political injustices that inspire them to fight for change.

The film is a powerful exploration of the human spirit, and the power of social and political activism.

On the Road (2012): Salles’s adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s classic novel captures the spirit of the Beat Generation and their quest for freedom and self-discovery.

The film is a visually stunning exploration of America and its landscapes, and provides a unique and insightful perspective on the human experience.

These films showcase Salles’ talent for creating powerful and moving cinematic works that explore the complexities of the human experience, and provide unique and insightful perspectives on social and political issues.

They are a testament to his skill as a filmmaker, and his enduring contribution to the world of cinema.

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