The Cannibals (1988)
A singular Portuguese opera-film by Manoel de Oliveira, in which a high-society wedding spirals into surreal darkness and shocking perversion.
The Cannibals - Movie Information
- Original Title: Os Canibais
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Manoel de Oliveira
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 10, 1988 (Portugal)
- Alternative Titles: Les cannibales (FR)
- Production Companies: Filmargem, Gemini Films, La Sept Cinéma
- Production Countries: Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland
The Cannibals - Plot
This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes. Musically, it ranges from 19th-century romanticism to popular, modernist and even “post-modernist” styles. In the initially tame story, a host-narrator tells the story of a wedding between the two lovebirds: Viscount d’Aveleda and the beautiful Marguerite. However, what happens in the bridal chamber is incredibly bizarre. The events after that are even stranger, and the wedding guests and family indulge in cannibalism, among other perversions.
Where to Watch The Cannibals
Looking for where to watch The Cannibals?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Cannibals - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Manoel de Oliveira
Main Cast
- Luis Miguel Cintra
- Leonor Silveira
- Diogo Dória
- Oliveira Lopes
- Pedro T. da Silva
- Joel Costa
- Rogério Samora
- Rogério Vieira
- António Loja Neves
- Luís Madureira
Writers
- João Paes
- Manoel de Oliveira
Producers
- Paulo Branco
The Cannibals - FAQs
What is The Cannibals (1988) about?
The Cannibals is a Portuguese opera-film directed by Manoel de Oliveira. A narrator recounts the wedding of Viscount d’Aveleda and the beautiful Marguerite, but what begins as a genteel aristocratic ceremony quickly unravels into bizarre, disturbing events involving cannibalism and other dark perversions among the high-society guests.
Where can you watch The Cannibals (1988)?
The Cannibals (1988) is a rare arthouse title with limited mainstream streaming availability. You can check current streaming options, rental platforms, and digital purchase availability for your region by visiting JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date viewing options across multiple services.
Is The Cannibals a real opera film?
Yes. The Cannibals is a genuine opera-film — a rare genre in which the entire narrative is sung rather than spoken. The music was composed by João Paes, commissioned specifically by director Manoel de Oliveira, and spans styles from 19th-century Romanticism through modernist and post-modernist influences.
Who directed The Cannibals (1988)?
The Cannibals was directed by Manoel de Oliveira, the celebrated Portuguese filmmaker renowned for his rigorous, literary, and often provocative style. Oliveira was one of cinema’s longest-active directors, with a career spanning over seven decades, and The Cannibals stands as one of his most unconventional works.
Who are the main actors in The Cannibals?
The principal cast includes Luis Miguel Cintra as Viscount d’Aveleda and Leonor Silveira as Margarida, alongside Diogo Dória, Oliveira Lopes, Pedro T. da Silva, Joel Costa, Rogério Samora, Rogério Vieira, António Loja Neves, and Luís Madureira.
What genre is The Cannibals (1988)?
The Cannibals is classified as Drama and Fantasy, though it is most precisely described as an opera-film — a direct-to-celluloid work in which all dialogue is sung. It blends dark aristocratic satire, surrealist fantasy, and operatic tradition into a deeply singular cinematic experience.
How long is The Cannibals (1988)?
The Cannibals has a runtime of 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. Despite its relatively compact length, the film’s operatic structure and deliberate pacing give it a dense, immersive quality that rewards patient and attentive viewers.
When was The Cannibals released?
The Cannibals had its initial release on November 10, 1988, in Portugal. The film was a co-production between Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, reflecting the international arthouse network that supported Manoel de Oliveira’s work throughout his career.
More About The Cannibals
Explore further details about this film on the following authoritative databases.