O Tronco (1999)
A gripping Brazilian drama pitting state authority against rural power, adapted from Bernardo Élis's landmark novel.
O Tronco - Movie Information
- Original Title: O Tronco
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: João Batista de Andrade
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 25, 1999 (Argentina)
- Production Companies: Raiz Produções Cinematográficas
- Production Countries: Brazil
O Tronco - Plot
Vicente, a tax collector, is sent to a distant region to defy the dominion of Melo, a powerful landowner. When Melo's henchmen burn down the collector's office building, the government retaliates by deploying soldiers, overseen by Carvalho, a hard-headed judge. Carvalho orders the soldiers to invade Melo's land, which prompts the start of a full-blown war.
Where to Watch O Tronco
Looking for where to watch O Tronco?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
O Tronco - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- João Batista de Andrade
Main Cast
- Antônio Fagundes
- Ângelo Antônio
- Rolando Boldrin
- Letícia Sabatella
- Chico Diaz
- Cida Moreira
- Andrade Jr.
- Augusto Pompeo
- Breno Moroni
- Carlos Careqa
Writers
- João Batista de Andrade
Producers
- Assunção Hernandes
O Tronco - FAQs
Who are the main actors in O Tronco?
O Tronco features Antônio Fagundes as the hard-headed Judge Carvalho, Ângelo Antônio as tax collector Vicente Lemos, Rolando Boldrin as the powerful landowner Pedro Melo, and Letícia Sabatella as Anastácia, among other notable Brazilian performers.
What is O Tronco about?
O Tronco follows Vicente, a tax collector dispatched to challenge the grip of Melo, a domineering landowner. After Melo's men burn the collector's office, the government sends soldiers under Judge Carvalho, whose aggressive response triggers an all-out war between state authority and rural power.
Who directed O Tronco?
O Tronco was directed by João Batista de Andrade, a prominent Brazilian filmmaker known for his socially engaged cinema. He also wrote the screenplay for the film, giving it a distinctive authorial vision rooted in Brazilian political and cultural realities.
Is O Tronco based on a true story?
O Tronco is based on the 1956 novel of the same name by Brazilian author Bernardo Élis. The novel itself draws on real historical tensions in the Brazilian interior, particularly the violent clashes between state authority and powerful rural landowners in the early twentieth century.
When was O Tronco released?
O Tronco had its release on November 25, 1999, in Argentina. The film is a Brazilian production from 1999, directed by João Batista de Andrade and produced by Raiz Produções Cinematográficas.
How long is O Tronco?
O Tronco has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes (112 minutes). The film uses this duration to build a layered portrait of institutional conflict, rural power dynamics, and the human cost of political confrontation in the Brazilian interior.
What themes does O Tronco explore?
O Tronco explores themes of state power versus local authority, land ownership, political violence, and institutional justice in rural Brazil. It examines how rigid ideological positions on both sides of a conflict can escalate tensions into devastating, irreversible confrontation.
What language is O Tronco in?
O Tronco is filmed entirely in Portuguese, reflecting its Brazilian origins. The film was produced in Brazil by Raiz Produções Cinematográficas and is deeply rooted in Brazilian literary and cultural tradition, adapted from Bernardo Élis's celebrated 1956 novel.
More About O Tronco
Explore further details about O Tronco on these trusted resources.