Angelo (2019)
A striking Austrian historical drama tracing the extraordinary and tragic life of an African man at the heart of 18th-century Viennese society.
Angelo - Movie Information
- Original Title: Angelo
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Markus Schleinzer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 24, 2019 (Hong Kong - III)
- Alternative Titles: 안젤로 (KR)
- Production Companies: Novotny & Novotny Filmproduktion, Amour Fou Luxembourg
- Production Countries: Luxembourg, Austria
Angelo - Plot
In early 18th century an African slave boy is chosen by a European Comtesse to be baptized and educated. Reaching adulthood, Angelo achieves prominence and soon becomes the Viennese court mascot until he decides to secretly marry a white woman.
Angelo - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this haunting period drama:
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Angelo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Markus Schleinzer
Main Cast
- Makita Samba
- Alba Rohrwacher
- Larisa Faber
- Kenny Nzogang
- Lukas Miko
- Gerti Drassl
- Michael Rotschopf
- Jean-Baptiste Tiémélé
- Nancy Mensah-Offei
- Olivier Baume
Writers
- Markus Schleinzer
- Alexander Brom
Producers
- Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu
- Alexander Glehr
- Bady Minck
- Franz Novotny
- Markus Schleinzer
Angelo - FAQs
What is Angelo about?
Angelo follows a young African boy in early 18th-century Europe who is taken in by a Comtesse, baptized, and given an aristocratic education. He rises to become a celebrated figure at the Viennese court, only to face the limits of that acceptance when he secretly marries a white woman.
Is Angelo based on a true story?
Yes, Angelo is inspired by the real life of Angelo Soliman, an 18th-century African man who was enslaved, brought to Europe, and became one of the most educated and socially prominent figures in Vienna. His story is remarkable — and deeply troubling — in equal measure.
Who plays Angelo in the 2019 film?
Makita Samba plays the adult Angelo, bringing quiet intensity to the role. Because the film follows Angelo across different life stages, younger versions of the character are portrayed by Kenny Nzogang and Jean-Baptiste Tiémélé, creating a layered, multi-generational portrait.
What themes does Angelo explore?
At its heart, Angelo wrestles with identity, race, and the violence of assimilation. The film examines how European society could simultaneously celebrate and dehumanize a Black man — treating him as a curiosity rather than a person — and what that contradiction costs Angelo himself.
Who directed Angelo and what is his style?
Markus Schleinzer directed Angelo. The Austrian filmmaker is known for his precise, restrained visual style — he previously directed Michael (2011). In Angelo, he uses formal, almost painterly compositions to reflect the rigid social structures that both elevate and imprison his protagonist.
What are similar films to Angelo?
If Angelo resonates with you, Mr. Turner (2014) and Firebrand (2024) offer similarly meticulous period filmmaking. Emperor (2020) and Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022) also explore marginalized figures navigating power in historical Europe, making them natural companion pieces.
How was Angelo received by critics?
Angelo earned thoughtful critical attention on the festival circuit, praised for its austere visual approach and the strength of Makita Samba's performance. Critics noted Schleinzer's willingness to let discomfort linger on screen, though some found the film's emotional distance a deliberate — if challenging — artistic choice.
What is the ending of Angelo about?
Without giving everything away, Angelo's ending confronts the brutal reality of what European society ultimately did to Angelo Soliman — even after his death. It's a sobering conclusion that reframes everything that came before, leaving the audience with a deeply unsettling meditation on ownership and humanity.
More About Angelo
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