VOYAGE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD

English Title: VOYAGE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD

Two legends combine in this serene, lyrical drama: actor Marcello Mastroianni, who here turns in his final screen performance, and Manoel de Oliveira, who turns 90 this year and holds the honor of being the world's oldest active filmmaker. Thus, VOYAGE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD is suffused with wisdom, warmth and humanity. Mastroianni plays Manoel, a senior Portuguese film and television director, touring the places of his youth with a carload of actor friends. Manoel's leading man, Afonso, was born in France, but his late father came from Portugal, from a hardscrabble peasant farming village not far away. Now Afonso wants to visit, unannounced, and perhaps connect with that isolated branch of his family for the first time. That cautious, tender reunion will embrace you in its spell long after the house lights have come up. There are no easy words to describe the gentle flow of emotions that sweep along with VOYAGE, but a few Portuguese expressions are apt, like “fado” (a ballad of inescapable fate) and “Soudade” (nostalgia without irony). Even if you share the longevity of Manoel de Oliveira, it's safe to say you won't forget VOYAGE. (In Portuguese and French with English subtitles)