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La Coliniere

(1,892 posts)
Wed Mar 11, 2026, 02:52 PM 1 hr ago

The Secret Agent, the much heralded Brazilian film

is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. It moves slowly, at a 2:45 running time and it helps to know something about the political situation in Brazil in 1977 when a corrupt, authoritarian government was still in control. I thought the film was an absorbing and rich tapestry of memorable characters and tense situations as well as a cautionary tale of political and personal struggle. Highly recommended.

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The Secret Agent, the much heralded Brazilian film (Original Post) La Coliniere 1 hr ago OP
I thought it was stunning, but ... Auggie 1 hr ago #1

Auggie

(33,100 posts)
1. I thought it was stunning, but ...
Wed Mar 11, 2026, 03:21 PM
1 hr ago

bloated in length. Following the beginning gas station scene -- which was brilliantly suspenseful -- the film bogged down until the introduction of the Elza character. That build-up could have been trimmed by maybe 20-30 minutes and would have made for an even better film without sacrificing much of the rich tapestry, as you put it.

I recommend it too. It's definitely Oscar-worthy despite, IMO, it's excessive length.

Can also rent via Apple for $9.99. That's how I watched it.

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