A very watchable crime drama with some fine action that doesn't bring anything new to those genres. One can spend an hour with it very easily, without thinking too much about the scenario and the reality presented in the story of an injured frightening criminal (Jece Valadão) who seeks refuge on a church and chronicles his life of crimes to a priest. A man without morals, only with a strong sense of getting what he wants and killing whoever gets on his way, from snitch types, hostages and even loving companions. Jece played those tough characters as if he was born to play them as they are: cold-hearted, menacing, with a gleam in their eyes whenever they're about to do something bad, or with a big evil laugh.

Usually, the crime films of that period are a total bore, with some interesting moments, but always heavily cliched. This one escape such fate due to its strong cast (Wilson Grey as the mute bandit was adorable; Milton Gonçalves is always honorable to watch); some nice humor; a great use of flashbacks to tell the story of Paraíba; and for the most part one can envision this not as an action story about if a character will survive his fate or not, I see it more concerned if this man will seek forgiveness and repent himself or not.

The action is there through many shootings of poor people who crosses the man's way; a major robbery plan executed during a soccer match between Soviet Union and Brazil (archive footage from a game of the period, with Pelé scoring a goal); a fun fight between the two women who want to conquer Paraíba's love and attention - they're played by Rossana Ghessa and Darlene Glória. It's a formula kind of movie destined to impress audience, but it works if you don't expect too much. It comes with some objectionable moments but one has to admit that the criminal world is just like that, without mercy.

But if there's one terrible thing about "Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido" is the music given to it. Director Victor Lima used the frantic and loud jazzy themes of João Negrão in such an awful repetitive manner that is not even funny. Variations on a theme are always good as it allows the composer to establish a certain rhythm and a certain emotion to different scenes. Here, the score is simply the exact same thing during thrilling bits, dramatic bits and I wish I could laugh. Painfully annoying themes.

I liked it a lot more than I should, highly enjoyable but far from the "Oh such a great film" comments I read in some places. 6/10.

Portuguese-language cinema, spanning Portugal, Brazil, and other Lusophone regions, focuses on history, cultural identity, and the struggles of ordinary people, often framed with poetic or allegorical storytelling. In Portugal, cinema has emphasized meditative pacing and philosophical depth, reflecting on memory and tradition. In Brazil, it has often been politically charged and socially vibrant, highlighting inequality and resilience while experimenting with popular and avant-garde forms.

Alexandre Rodrigues in City of God (2002)

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

True story of a famous and violent Brazilian outlaw nicknamed "Paraíba". After being shot, Paraíba tries to hide inside a church, where he starts remembering episodes of his criminal life.

Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Produções Cinematográficas Herbert Richers

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Armando Monteiro in Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Rossana Ghessa and Armando Monteiro in Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Rossana Ghessa and Jece Valadão in Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Rossana Ghessa in Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Ítalo Rossi in Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Jece Valadão in Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido (1966)

Paraíba, Vida e Morte de um Bandido

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