Cascalho

Synopsis

Cascalho (2004), directed by Walter Hugo Khouri, is a Brazilian drama that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, power, and moral ambiguity. Set against a backdrop of social and economic contrasts, the film explores the turbulent interactions between its characters, especially focusing on the enigmatic figure portrayed by Othon Bastos. The narrative weaves through themes of desire, manipulation, and the pursuit of personal freedom, presenting a raw and sometimes unsettling portrait of life's darker undercurrents. With Khouri's signature style, Cascalho captures a psychological tension that builds as the story unfolds, offering viewers a contemplative look at life's conflicts and contradictions in Brazilian society.

Cast

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  Othon Bastos

  Germano

• 

  Jorge Coutinho

  Zé de Peixoto

• 

  Harildo Déda

  Quelezinho

• Maria Rosa Espinheira

  Rosa do Brejo

• Júlio Góes

  Nascimento

• Gildásio Leite

  Silvério

Reviews

Cascalho received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.7/10 based on user reviews, reflecting generally favorable opinions though with noted reservations. Critics have praised Othon Bastos's compelling performance, highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions with nuanced subtlety. Some reviewers complimented the film's atmospheric cinematography and Khouri's distinctive storytelling approach that firmly roots Cascalho within the Brazilian cinematic tradition. However, others found the pacing uneven and the narrative somewhat cryptic, which could challenge wider audience engagement. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a score for Cascalho, indicating limited international critical coverage. Metacritic also lacks aggregated data for this title, suggesting it remains a niche film primarily reviewed within its home country. Overall, Cascalho is regarded as a thought-provoking drama that demands viewer patience and appreciation for character-driven, introspective cinema, with praise particularly for its thematic depth and Bastos's performance.