Saint Bernard (1972)
A landmark of Brazilian Cinema Novo, tracing one man's ruthless ascent from poverty to power and the human cost of his obsession.
Saint Bernard - Movie Information
- Original Title: S. Bernardo
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Leon Hirszman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 1, 1972 (Brazil - 14), September 2, 1980 (United States), June 11, 2014 (France)
- Alternative Titles: São Bernardo (BR), Saint Bernard (US), San Bernardo (UY)
- Production Companies: Saga Filmes, Embrafilme, Mapa Filmes
- Production Countries: Brazil
Saint Bernard - Plot
The story of Paulo Honório, a poor ploughman who becomes a rich farmer. Obsessed by his desire to get even richer, he doesn't pay much attention to his wife, Madalena, a teacher who reacts against his tyrannical ways.
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Saint Bernard - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Leon Hirszman
Main Cast
- Othon Bastos
- Isabel Ribeiro
- Nildo Parente
- Vanda Lacerda
- Mário Lago
- Joseph Guerreiro
- Jofre Soares
- Rodolfo Arena
- Labanca
- José Policena
Writers
- Leon Hirszman
Producers
- Liana Aureliano
- Ruben Azevedo
- Ruy Polanah
Saint Bernard - FAQs
What is Saint Bernard about?
Saint Bernard follows Paulo Honório, a man who claws his way up from poverty to become a powerful landowner in rural Brazil. His relentless hunger for wealth blinds him to everything else, including his wife Madalena, a spirited teacher whose quiet resistance to his domineering ways sets the two on a collision course.
Is Saint Bernard based on a novel?
Yes, the film is adapted from São Bernardo, the celebrated 1934 novel by Graciliano Ramos, one of Brazil's most important modernist writers. Leon Hirszman's adaptation is widely regarded as one of the most faithful and artistically accomplished screen versions of Ramos's work.
Where can I watch Saint Bernard?
You can check current streaming and rental options for Saint Bernard on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so it's worth checking directly for the most up-to-date options.
Who directed Saint Bernard and why does it matter?
Leon Hirszman directed the film, and his name carries real weight in Brazilian cinema. A key figure of the Cinema Novo movement, Hirszman brought a politically charged, visually austere style to the material that transformed Graciliano Ramos's novel into a searing critique of patriarchy and capitalist ambition.
What role did Caetano Veloso play in the film?
Legendary Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso composed the film's score, lending Saint Bernard a haunting, deeply Brazilian musical identity. His involvement added significant cultural prestige to the project and reinforced the film's connection to the broader Tropicália movement and Brazilian artistic renaissance of the era.
Who are the main actors in Saint Bernard?
Othon Bastos leads the cast as Paulo Honório, delivering a commanding and unsettling performance as the driven, domineering farmer. Isabel Ribeiro plays Madalena, his quietly defiant wife. The supporting cast includes Nildo Parente, Vanda Lacerda, Mário Lago, Jofre Soares, and Rodolfo Arena.
How was Saint Bernard received by critics?
Saint Bernard earned strong critical acclaim, particularly within Brazilian cinema circles and among international film scholars. It is consistently cited as a masterwork of Cinema Novo and one of the finest literary adaptations in Latin American film history, praised for its stark visual style and powerful performances.
What are some films similar to Saint Bernard?
If Saint Bernard resonates with you, consider exploring Minari (2021) for its portrait of rural ambition and family strain, In Cold Blood (1967) for its unflinching social realism, or Seven Samurai (1954) for its exploration of power and community in an agrarian setting.
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