The Mountains of the Moon (1987)
A lyrical Portuguese drama by Paulo Rocha, weaving modern politics and desire through the timeless lens of classical Japanese literature.
The Mountains of the Moon - Movie Information
- Original Title: O Desejado
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Paulo Rocha
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Italian, Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 1, 1987 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Les Montagnes de la Lune (FR), O Desejado ou As Montanhas da Lua (PT)
- Production Companies: La Sept Cinéma, Suma Filmes, Instituto Português de Cinema (IPC), Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Arion Productions, CNC, RTP
- Production Countries: Portugal, France
The Mountains of the Moon - Plot
This visually striking drama is taken from the classic Japanese novel Tales Of Genji by Marasaki Shikibu. Set in modern Portugal, Joao (Luis Miguel Cintra) is a left-wing political leader and ladies man with a bright future. His ex-wife Isabel (Manuela de Freitas) both loves and hates him as Joao plays on her wavering emotional state. He is sent to Italy to retrieve wayward family member Antonia (Caroline Chaniolleau), the beautiful young woman with a terrorist boyfriend. Joao is forced to recognize his feelings as the political and amorous climate changes around him.
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The Mountains of the Moon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paulo Rocha
Main Cast
- Luis Miguel Cintra
- Caroline Chaniolleau
- Yves Afonso
- Jacques Bonnaffé
- Manuela de Freitas
- João Bénard da Costa
- Isabel de Castro
- Inês de Medeiros
- Zita Duarte
- Isabel Ruth
Writers
- Antoine Lacomblez
- Manuel de Lucena
- Paulo Rocha
- Jorge Silva Melo
Producers
- Paulo Rocha
- Patrick Sandrin
The Mountains of the Moon - FAQs
Where can I watch The Mountains of the Moon?
Streaming availability for The Mountains of the Moon varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including any rental, purchase, or subscription services currently offering the film, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates all available options in your region.
Is The Mountains of the Moon based on a true story?
No, the film is not based on a true story. It is a loose, modern-day adaptation of The Tale of Genji, the celebrated 11th-century Japanese novel by Murasaki Shikibu. Director Paulo Rocha transposed its themes of desire, politics, and romantic entanglement to contemporary Portugal and Italy.
Who are the main actors in The Mountains of the Moon?
The film stars Luis Miguel Cintra as João, a charismatic left-wing political figure, Caroline Chaniolleau as Antónia, and Manuela de Freitas as Isabel, João's conflicted ex-wife. The supporting cast includes Yves Afonso, Jacques Bonnaffé, Inês de Medeiros, and Isabel Ruth.
What is The Mountains of the Moon about?
Set in modern Portugal, the film follows João, a charming left-wing politician, whose romantic and political worlds collide. When he travels to Italy to bring back a young relative involved with a terrorist, he is forced to confront his own desires. The story draws on the emotional complexity of The Tale of Genji.
Who directed The Mountains of the Moon?
The Mountains of the Moon was directed by Paulo Rocha, one of the key figures of Portuguese Cinema Novo. Known for his lyrical and literary sensibility, Rocha crafted this film as a bold transposition of classical Japanese literature into a contemporary European political and romantic context.
When was The Mountains of the Moon released?
The Mountains of the Moon had its initial release on September 1, 1987, in Italy. It is a Portuguese-French co-production supported by institutions including the Instituto Português de Cinema and the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
How long is The Mountains of the Moon?
The Mountains of the Moon has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes (117 minutes). The film's measured pace reflects director Paulo Rocha's contemplative visual style, allowing the emotional and political tensions between characters to develop gradually across its runtime.
What language is The Mountains of the Moon in?
The film's original language is Portuguese, though it features dialogue in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, and Portuguese, reflecting its international co-production nature and the cross-border settings of its narrative, which moves between Portugal and Italy.
More About The Mountains of the Moon
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