Brazil

Watch Brazil

  • NR
  • 2007
  • 30 min

Brazil is a satirical science-fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and released in 1985. The film is set in a dystopian future society where everything is controlled by a totalitarian government, where bureaucrats and technology play the dominating roles in everyday life. The story revolves around a man named Sam Lowry, played by Jonathan Pryce, a low-level bureaucrat living in the city of Information Retrieval, who is soon drawn into a web of intrigue after becoming besotted with a woman he believes to be a resistance fighter named Jill Layton, played by Kim Greist.

The film follows Sam as he navigates a series of increasingly bizarre events, including encounters with several of his eccentric colleagues, a rogue air conditioning repairman named Harry Tuttle, played by Robert De Niro, and finally the mysterious head of the resistance movement, Archibald "Harry" Tuttle, played by Michael Palin. These events ultimately lead Sam on a quest to rescue Jill from the clutches of the government, culminating in a final, surreal confrontation.

At its core, Brazil is a movie about the dangers of fascism and the importance of individuality in the face of oppressive regimes. Gilliam's vision of the future is bleak and sterile, with vast concrete buildings, ubiquitous surveillance cameras and reams of mind-numbing paperwork. The film's world is one where people live in constant fear of being wrongfully detained or executed by the government's secret police, lovingly referred to as "Central Services".

The film is often cited as one of the greatest cinematic achievements of the 1980s, and with good reason. The combination of Gilliam's vivid imagination, Pryce's career-defining performance and the iconic visual effects that call to mind the Kafkaesque universe of Franz Kafka's The Trial, make Brazil an unforgettable viewing experience.

One of the most striking elements of the film is the way that the themes of bureaucracy and conformity are integrated into every aspect of the story. From the Department of Information Retrieval, where Sam works, to the government-sanctioned torture of "enemy combatants", it's clear that in this world, everything is designed to control and subjugate the populace.

Despite the bleakness of the world it portrays, however, Brazil is far from a humorless exercise in doom and gloom. The film is filled to the brim with darkly comedic moments, such as the recurring joke where Sam's bizarre attempts to get out of work are invariably thwarted by his persistent boss, Mr. Kurtzmann, played by Ian Holm. It's a film that finds a way to be a biting satire and a heartfelt exploration of humanity's perpetual battle for free will, consciousness and individuality all at once.

The visual elements of Brazil are equally groundbreaking. The film's iconic poster, featuring Pryce in his role as Sam, is instantly recognizable, with its bold and colorful imagery that is emblematic of the film's overall aesthetic. Additionally, the film's use of special effects is stunning, with surreal dream sequences, intricate practical sets and an overall sense of mise-en-scene that amplifies Gilliam's visual storytelling.

One of the most interesting things about Brazil is the way that it has continued to influence and inspire creatives long after its initial release. The film's complex themes, striking visuals and biting satire, have had a significant impact on the world of cinema, inspiring everything from The Matrix, to The Truman Show and even the more recent, sci-fi blockbuster Ready Player One.

In conclusion, Brazil is an iconic and highly regarded film from one of cinema's most eccentric directors. With its complex themes of fascism, bureaucracy and freedom, stunning visual effects and Pryce's career-defining performance, it's easy to see why it remains such a beloved and influential movie. It is a film that manages to be both darkly comedic and deeply meaningful, and its messages are as pertinent now as they were when the film was first released over three decades ago. If you haven't seen Brazil, it's definitely a film you won't want to miss.

Brazil is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 30 minutes.

Description
Where to Watch Brazil
Brazil is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Brazil for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    30 min
  • Language
    Portuguese