Watch Embargo

Embargo is a drama film based on the story of the same name by Nobel laureate author Jose Saramago. It follows the story of a small coastal town in Portugal that is struggling to survive economically, largely due to poor fishing conditions. The protagonist of the story is a fisherman named Ze, played by Filipe Costa. He is a hardworking man who has been struggling to make ends meet for a long time. His fishing boat is old and constantly needs repairs, his catches have been diminishing, and he has a family to support.

One day, the government announces an embargo on fishing in the region. This means that all fishermen in the area are prohibited from fishing for a certain period of time. The reason for the embargo is not entirely clear, but it is rumored that the government is trying to conserve the fish population in the area.

The embargo is devastating news for Ze and his fellow fishermen. They have no other source of income and are already struggling to make ends meet. Without fishing, they face the prospect of losing their homes and their livelihoods.

As the days pass, tensions rise in the small town. The fishermen are angry and frustrated, and some of them begin to take matters into their own hands. Ze, however, is a peace-loving man who believes in following the law. He tries to keep the peace and encourage his fellow fishermen to do the same.

As the embargo drags on, the situation in the town becomes more and more desperate. People begin to go hungry, and tensions between the fishermen and the government reach a boiling point. In the midst of all this, Ze begins to question the morality of the embargo. Is it really necessary to ban fishing in the region? Is there another way to preserve the fish population without destroying the livelihoods of the fishermen?

The film is a powerful exploration of the human cost of government policy. It raises important questions about the balance between conservation and economic development, and the impact of government decisions on ordinary people.

The performances in the film are strong, particularly from Filipe Costa as Ze. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying the character's stoicism and determination in the face of adversity. Claudia Carvalho also gives a good performance as Ze's wife, Maria, who is struggling to keep their family together while her husband is out at sea.

The cinematography in the film is beautiful, with sweeping shots of the Portuguese coastline and the fishing boats bobbing in the water. The music is also well done, underscoring the film's emotional moments with a gentle, melancholy score.

Overall, Embargo is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores important themes of conservation, government policy, and the human cost of economic development. It is a powerful reminder that decisions made in distant government offices can have very real consequences for ordinary people, and that we must always consider the human impact of our actions.

Embargo is a 2010 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.