The rising splendor of Rio de Janeiro and increasing prowess of Brazilian football players combine with the appearance of star player Heleno de Freitas in the 1930s. His skills are dazzling with the Botafogo football club and Heleno sets his sights on leading resurgent Brazil to its first world cup victory. It is not to be. World War II, arrogance, addictions and a bad case of syphilis conspire to bring Heleno an early retirement from the field and from life. "I am surrounded by vultures and all I want to do is score a goal," is not an attitude that endears one to teammates, much less friends and family. Heleno suffers the ultimate indignity for a Brazilian athlete, resorting to playing ball in Argentina.
I had a chance to step into Rio's Maracanã stadium from the players entrance on the field level and it was exhilarating. Heleno provides a similar feeling. Watching it I felt immersed in Brazil's deep and thrilling football culture. Heleno is worth watching for its gorgeous black and white photography alone, but this alluring and tragic film is so much more fulfilling. It is one of my favorite sports films, so refreshingly different from the mainstream. Rodrigo Santoro (Heleno) is amazing. Eventually Heleno's aggressive and ball hog style gave way to Pelé and his beautiful passing game. Perhaps Heleno influenced this? Watching Heleno brought me back to the football games that I thoroughly enjoyed seeing with my Brazilian brother Luiz Fernando. Seen at the Miami International Film Festival. Maravilhoso!
