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 a young man named Paco, who lives in São Paulo and dreams of going to Spain to meet his father, whom he has never met.
After losing his job and becoming desperate, Paco agrees to transport a mysterious package to Amsterdam in exchange for a ticket to Spain.
As Paco travels through Brazil, Holland, and Portugal, he is confronted with the harsh realities of life as a foreigner, and he is forced to confront the contradictions between his idealized vision of his father and the harsh realities of his own life.
Along the way, he meets a young woman named Alex, who is also searching for a way to escape the constraints of her own life.
“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.
![Foreign Land [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21DHAGNZ5HL.jpg)
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.
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” is a 1998 Brazilian drama film directed by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas.
The film tells the story of a group of people who are traveling on a bus from the city of São Paulo to the northeastern state of Bahia.
As they journey through the night, the passengers share their hopes, fears, and dreams with one another, revealing the complex realities of life in contemporary Brazil.
The film is marked by its strong ensemble cast and its richly textured portrayal of the Brazilian landscape and culture.
The characters in the film come from different social backgrounds and have different aspirations and challenges, but they are united by their shared experience of traveling through the night.
“Midnight” is a poignant exploration of the human condition, and the film captures the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people in an extraordinary world.
The film is notable for its innovative visual style and its ability to convey the emotions and inner lives of its characters through a combination of dialogue, music, and evocative imagery.
It is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique and insightful perspective on contemporary Brazil and the human experience.
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.
The father, Tonho, is caught in a cycle of violence and revenge, which leads him to seek the help of a local bandit to end the feud between his family and a neighboring clan.
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.
![Behind The Sun [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uPSMmAN4L.jpg)
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.
The American version was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised the film’s atmospheric tension and Connelly’s powerful performance.
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’ segment, titled “Loin du 16ème,” follows a mother who hires a nanny to take care of her baby, while she secretly visits her son in a nearby apartment.
The segment explores themes of maternal love, loneliness, and the search for connection in a rapidly changing world.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
![Linha De Passe [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ld-Jd+kIL.jpg)
10. Stories on Human Rights (2008)
“Stories on Human Rights” is a 2008 documentary film directed by Walter Salles and others, as part of the “Why Democracy?” series.
The film is a collection of eight short films from around the world, each focused on a different aspect of human rights and social justice.
The films cover a range of topics, including the struggle for democracy in Burma, the plight of migrant workers in China, and the impact of war on civilian populations in Afghanistan and Palestine.
The films are told from the perspective of ordinary people, and offer a powerful and moving insight into the struggles and triumphs of people around the world.
The film is notable for its innovative use of the documentary format, and its ability to convey the complex realities of human rights issues through intimate and personal storytelling.
The films offer a unique and insightful perspective on the human experience, and the challenges and opportunities that we face in our efforts to create a more just and equitable world.
“Stories on Human Rights” is a poignant and thought-provoking film that celebrates the power of the human spirit, and the enduring importance of human rights and social justice in a world that is often marked by inequality and oppression.
It is a powerful reminder of the need to continue our efforts to promote human rights and to fight for a more just and equitable world.
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, and was lauded for its strong performances and faithful adaptation of the novel.
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 captures the essence of Kerouac’s novel and provides a unique and insightful perspective on 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.
![On the Road (2012) ( Na Estrada (Sur la route) ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, Blu-Ray, Reg.B Import - France ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YR-iERMbL.jpg)
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.
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): A faithful adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s classic novel, this film 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.
