Tropicália (2012)
A documentary portrait of Brazil's most daring cultural revolution and the artists who risked everything to be heard.
Tropicália - Movie Information
- Original Title: Tropicália
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Marcelo Machado
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music, Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 14, 2012 (Brazil), July 7, 2013 (United Kingdom - 12A)
- Production Companies: Americas Film Conservancy, Bossa Nova Films, Mojo Pictures
- Production Countries: Brazil
Tropicália - Plot
Set against the turbulent atmosphere of the 1960s, Tropicália is a feature length documentary exploring the Brazilian artistic movement known as Tropicália, and the struggle its artists endured to protect their right to freely express revolutionary thought against the traditional Brazilian music of that time.
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Tropicália - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Marcelo Machado
Main Cast
- Rogério Duarte
- Gilberto Gil
- Caetano Veloso
- Tom Zé
- Sérgio Dias
- Arnaldo Baptista
- Sidney Miller
- Nara Leão
- Maria Bethânia
- Glauber Rocha
Writers
- Di Moretti
Tropicália - FAQs
What is Tropicália about?
Tropicália follows the explosive Brazilian cultural movement of the late 1960s, when artists like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil fused rock, psychedelia, and traditional Brazilian music into something radically new. The film captures their fight for artistic freedom under a repressive military dictatorship that ultimately forced them into exile.
Why were Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil exiled?
Both artists were arrested by Brazil's military government in 1968 and later forced into exile in London. Their music and public personas were seen as subversive threats to the regime. The experience shaped their careers profoundly and became one of the defining episodes of the Tropicália movement's legacy.
Where can you stream Tropicália?
You can watch Tropicália for free on Fandango at Home, supported by ads. It's a great way to experience this landmark documentary without any subscription required.
What exactly was the Tropicália movement?
Tropicália — or Tropicalismo — was a late-1960s Brazilian avant-garde movement blending rock, bossa nova, samba, and international pop with provocative visual art and poetry. It was as much a cultural and political statement as a musical one, challenging both conservative nationalism and the military dictatorship's censorship.
Who are the main artists featured in Tropicália?
The documentary features Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Tom Zé, Maria Bethânia, Nara Leão, Gal Costa, and Rogério Duarte, among others. Archive footage also brings in figures like Hélio Oiticica, Glauber Rocha, and Elis Regina, painting a rich portrait of the era's creative community.
Who directed the documentary Tropicália?
Marcelo Machado directed Tropicália. A Brazilian filmmaker with a deep interest in music and cultural history, Machado spent years assembling rare archival footage and interviews to craft this definitive portrait of one of Brazil's most transformative artistic moments.
Is Tropicália worth watching for non-Brazilian audiences?
Absolutely. Even without prior knowledge of Brazilian music, the film works as a gripping story of artistic rebellion against political oppression. The music is infectious, the archive footage is stunning, and the themes of censorship and creative resistance resonate far beyond Brazil's borders.
What similar music documentaries would fans enjoy?
If Tropicália resonates with you, check out The Last Waltz (1978), Amazing Grace (2018), and David Byrne's American Utopia (2020). For more Brazilian context, Tropicália: 50 Anos (2017) and Infinita Tropicália (1986) offer fascinating companion pieces to Machado's film.
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