The Beggars (1963)
A landmark Brazilian Comedy-Drama and the first comedy of Cinema Novo, following a young fugitive who seeks love and freedom among street beggars.
The Beggars - Movie Information
- Original Title: Os Mendigos
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Flávio Migliaccio
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 21, 1963 (Brazil)
- Production Companies: Satélite Filmes
- Production Countries: Brazil
The Beggars - Plot
A young female fugitive escapes from a juvenile institution (the Child Assistance Service) and joins a group of poor beggars with the intention of finding a potential partner to marry in order to avoid her return to that place.
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The Beggars - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Flávio Migliaccio
Main Cast
- Vanja Orico
- Fábio Sabag
- Oswaldo Loureiro
- Andrey Salvador
- Eduardo Coutinho
- Oduvaldo Vianna Filho
- Renato Consorte
- Ruy Guerra
- Antonio Carlos da Fontoura
- Cecil Thiré
Writers
- Flávio Migliaccio
Producers
- João Elias
The Beggars - FAQs
What is The Beggars about?
The Beggars follows a young woman who escapes from a juvenile institution and seeks refuge among a community of street beggars. Desperate to avoid being sent back, she sets her sights on finding a husband within the group — blending social commentary with warmth and humor in early 1960s Brazil.
Why is The Beggars considered historically significant?
The Beggars is widely regarded as the first comedy of Cinema Novo, Brazil's landmark New Wave movement of the 1960s. While most Cinema Novo films leaned toward stark social realism, this film stood apart by wrapping its critique of poverty and marginalization in a genuinely comedic, accessible tone.
Who directed The Beggars?
The Beggars was directed by Flávio Migliaccio, who also wrote the screenplay. Migliaccio was a multifaceted Brazilian artist — actor, director, and writer — and this film stands as one of his most distinctive directorial achievements within the Cinema Novo movement.
Who are the main actors in The Beggars?
The cast features Vanja Orico, Fábio Sabag, Oswaldo Loureiro, Andrey Salvador, Eduardo Coutinho, Oduvaldo Vianna Filho, Renato Consorte, Ruy Guerra, Antonio Carlos da Fontoura, and Cecil Thiré — a remarkable ensemble that includes several figures who became prominent in Brazilian cinema and culture.
What is Cinema Novo and how does this film fit in?
Cinema Novo was a Brazilian New Wave movement of the late 1950s and 1960s, known for politically charged, low-budget films tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice. The Beggars fits squarely within that tradition thematically, but distinguishes itself as the movement's rare comedic entry.
When was The Beggars released?
The Beggars was released in Brazil on December 21, 1963. It arrived during a particularly fertile period for Brazilian cinema, when the Cinema Novo movement was gaining international recognition for its bold, socially engaged approach to filmmaking.
What are some movies similar to The Beggars?
If you enjoyed The Beggars, you might also like Inseparable Bros (2019), Bad Seeds (2018), Bye Bye Morons (2020), Stuck Apart (2021), and Juniper (2021). These films share a similar blend of comedy, warmth, and social awareness that makes The Beggars so endearing.
How long is The Beggars?
The Beggars runs for 82 minutes — a lean, brisk runtime that keeps the story moving with energy and purpose. At just under an hour and a half, it's an easy watch that packs a surprising amount of heart and social insight into its compact running time.
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