The Island of Prohibited Pleasures

Synopsis

The Island of Prohibited Pleasures (A Ilha dos Prazeres Proibidos) is a 1979 Brazilian drama directed by Paulo Porto and featuring Neide Ribeiro in a compelling role. Set against the backdrop of an isolated island, the film explores themes of desire, freedom, and social constraints. Through its intense character interactions and lush cinematography, the story delves into the complexities of human passion and the consequences of indulging forbidden desires. The narrative weaves a poignant tale of emotional struggle and personal liberation, reflecting the cultural tensions of its time.

Cast

• 

  Neide Ribeiro

  Ana Medeiros

• 

  Roberto Miranda

  Sérgio Lacerda

• 

  Fernando Benini

  Nilo Baleeiro

• 

  Zilda Mayo

  Monique

• 

  Carlos Cassan

  William Solanas

• 

  Meiry Vieira

  Lia (as Meyre Vieira)

Reviews

Critical responses to The Island of Prohibited Pleasures have been mixed. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.2 out of 10, indicating average reception among viewers. Some critics praise the film for its evocative imagery and strong performances, particularly Neide Ribeiro’s portrayal, which brings depth and nuance to the storyline. However, others point out its slow pacing and dated narrative style as drawbacks that may not appeal to modern audiences. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for the film, reflecting its niche and somewhat obscure status. Metacritic ratings are also unavailable, suggesting limited critical coverage internationally. A review from a Brazilian film journal highlighted the movie’s cultural significance and aesthetic value, calling it “a vivid exploration of forbidden passion wrapped in poetic visuals.” Nonetheless, the film’s narrative and production values may appear modest compared to contemporary cinematic standards, which affects its overall reception. Fans of classic Brazilian cinema and art-house films may find it a worthwhile watch, while casual viewers might find it less engaging.