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The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga

Name: The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga
Director: Roberto Santos
Released: 1965
Duration: 114 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

1965

Director

Roberto Santos

Runtime

114 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a key work of the Cinema Novo movement, using social realism to challenge traditional power structures and regional myths. It successfully grounds its aesthetic in the socio-ethnic reality of Brazil's interior, avoiding the whitewashing common in Western genres. However, the narrative remains bound by the patriarchal and straight-focused social structures of the 1960s. character's ability to drive the story is largely centered around the male protagonist, with women and those experiencing physical trauma serving primarily to advance his personal growth. Ultimately, the film excels in its nuanced critique of socioeconomic hierarchies, even as it adheres to conventional gender roles.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a single male journey of revenge and redemption. There are no representations of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga portray gender?

Limited

The story follows a traditional patriarchal structure where women act as catalysts for the male protagonist's journey but lack independent ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga?

Good

The film showcases the diverse ethnic mix of Brazil's countryside. It highlights the experiences of mixed-race and rural populations without adhering to idealized white standards.

How does The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative critiques feudal power structures and exploitative hierarchies. It explores the complex relationship between violent impulses and spiritual beliefs.

Does The Hour and Turn of Augusto Matraga include disability representation?

Fair

Physical trauma and vulnerability are shown during the protagonist's recovery. These elements serve as plot devices for his spiritual transformation rather than providing him with independent ability to act.

Present on Screen

Authentic portrayal of Brazil's mixed-race and rural populations.
Sophisticated critique of feudal-like power structures and exploitative socioeconomic hierarchies.
In-depth exploration of the tension between secular authority and individual spiritual beliefs.

Limited or Absent

Women primarily serve to drive the male protagonist's journey, lacking independent ability to act.
No representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.
Disability and physical trauma are used as plot devices rather than for character's ability to drive the story.

Official Synopsis

Augusto Matraga is a violent agressive farmer who, after being betrayed by his wife and trapped by several enemies, is beaten up and left for dead, being rescued by a couple of humble small farmers who nurse him for a long time until he is well again. Influenced by the couple, Matraga starts a long penitent life while waiting for his hour and chance to payback, starting a fight between his violent nature, his hidden desire of vengeance and the mysticism and goodness which is also part of him.

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