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Set in post-war Angola, o Herói follows the return of Victorio, a decorated war veteran. Having lost his leg to a land mine, Victorio returns to the city of Luanda in an attempt to find work and shelter. Proudly wearing his medal, his attempts to find employment are fruitless. Soon it becomes apparent that Victorio has now been shunned by the society he once fought for.

Beautifully intertwined are the stories of two other characters; the attractive yet naïve schoolteacher Joana and the young, troubled street kid Manu.

Gratefully, untouched by the likes of Hollywood CGI action sequences or saccharine-sweet romantic interludes, this film is a rough diamond. A plot devoid of polish means that the actors are allowed to concentrate solely on the heart-felt portrayal of their characters.

The realism and no-holds barred attitude towards bringing the impact of the savageries of war upon society is what makes this film so striking. One of the most memorable scenes is that of the queues of people waiting to have their “messages” broadcast on television in an attempt to find their family members.

But the real star of o Herói, is the talented young actor Milton Coelho who plays orphan Manu. Embroiled in petty crimes and gangs, Manu’s actions are poignantly contrasted with his love for his weathered grandmother.

The characters’ lives soon collide and their ties, formed through loss and necessity become apparent. The closing sequence poignantly lifts from Angola’s beautiful palm tree lined, golden beach.

VHS,DVD and 35mm
97 Minutes, 2005, Angola
Director: Zézé Gamboa, Producer: Fernando Vendrell, Screenwriter: Carla Baptista
In Portuguese with English subtitles

Links:
o Herói entry on IMDB