It is an adaptation of the novel by José Rodrigues Michaels to film
The main character, played by Ana Bandeira, Salomé is the gem of this film, her debut on this film, I can only say that could not have been more auspicious. Its youth and freshness pass thru the screen, the camera loves the face of this young actress. Mário Barroso's work is remarkable. The story of this young prostitute in a brothel in Lisbon is told in a competent manner. The director knew how to create a story without ever denigrating the book which was adapted. It is a lyrical film about a Portugal from the beginning of the twentieth century, steeped in poverty and social turn boil, catapulted by the Fatima apparitions that have an important role to play in the life of Salome. The work of the other actors is capable; I can only have one but, the naked scenes completely unnecessary. I discussed this issue elsewhere, and continue to reaffirm it, it is curious how the actresses take their clothes off several times in a movie and is not the case with the Portuguese male characters. It is excessive. A nude scene can be visually artistic necessary considering the script, but in most cases it is not. There are so many nude scenes that trivialize the film itself. I repeat, I'm not prudish, but another approach to female sexuality should be considered. The argument could have been improved, giving the impression sometimes that is a bit lost and that scarce line of some of the characters. Overall, it's a great movie. Good movie.
