Name: Páre, Escute, Olhe
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2009-10-22
Duration: 1 h 40 min
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Abílio Ovilheiro, Pedro Couteiro, Acácio Amaral

Rarely can one say that a documentary brings quite a few laughs and many chuckles. This is the case of this film/documentary.

The film style is hard to define but it basically follows the daily life of a few local people and how their poor region in Portugal is far and forgotten by the capital and government. The once historic and touristic train line is gradually abandoned, then used as a local metro and is now menaced by the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam that would flood the aging rail line and leave them without any public transport. At the same time it shows the political vote that will decide the future of the dam, region and the Tua rail line.

So that seems like boring stuff ? Well they actually manage to show some really colorful characters, especially the old man who lives in the former train station of Ribeirinha. Some of the dialog is very "colorful" and some of the newscasts from the past are mixed to very humorous effect. Its a rare look at a rural and laid back part of Portugal and how progress brings some problems.

I think anyone can enjoy this film even if a few references might be lost to those that are not Portuguese or acquainted to them. Quite enjoyable for what otherwise might have been another boring protest issue... yet very well made mix of funny and informative. Well worth seeing.

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 documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Sociedade Independente de Comunicação (SIC)

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Páre, Escute, Olhe

Photos

Top Cast5

User reviews1

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed