Latin Blood: The Ballad of Ney Matogrosso

The film reveals Ney Matogrosso's powerful vocals and fascinating musicality, presenting us from his childhood in the interior of Brazil to his stardom. Ney is a man who refuses to change his ideas and his way of being to please others, challenging moral standards and shocking conservative society.

Unlike other biographies of Brazilian singers (Renato Russo and Cazuza), this film stands out for portraying the singer's romantic relationships without puritanism or censorship. Another strong point is the presentation of some of the singer's most famous songs, all very well reproduced in the film, from the vocals, the flashy clothes (or lack thereof) and unique choreography, everything very well done and quite faithful to what the singer always presented. Highly recommended!

The movie "Latin Blood: The Ballad of Ney Matogrosso" tells the powerful story of a Brazilian music legend whose fearless style and voice left a lasting mark on the country.

Director Esmir Filho does an incredible job capturing Ney Matogrosso's life in bold, expressive style-tracing his journey from a tough childhood with an abusive father, through the free-spirited 60s, his sexual awakening, the explosive rise of the group "Secos & Molhados", and his fearless challenge to Brazil's military regime, all the way to his iconic solo career.

Jesuíta Barbosa's jaw-dropping performance as Ney Matogrosso, he fully incorporates the role, nailing every move, every glance, every gesture with incredible precision.

The movie also highlights Ney's biggest musical milestones while also diving into his passionate encounters set against the backdrop of Rio's sun-soaked beaches.

At its core, the movie offers insight into the choices and mindset that shaped this star's journey-and it's absolutely worth a watch!!!!

I watched this movie with my Brazilian wife who taught me about Ney. I honestly was not expecting this movie to be that good! I was hooked from the beginning to the end. The actor playing Ney deserves so much praise for his captivating portrayal. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie, even if you don't speak Portuguese. We watched it in Portuguese with English subtitles and it was perfect for us both.

I would say that this is a great movie to watch even if you do not know Ney's story, like me. I really enjoyed learning about his life and all of the fascinating friends he made in his life. We laughed, we cried, my wife sang, we had a great time!

Homem com H is one of those films that doesn't just tell a story - it lives inside it. Elegantly and bravely directed by Esmir Filho, the movie dives into the essence of Ney Matogrosso, delivering a visual, musical, and emotionally powerful experience.

From the very first moments, the narrative shows great care: the film has no unnecessary pauses or dragging scenes. On the contrary - each moment pulses with energy, echoing the restless and rebellious rhythm that has always defined Ney. This is a biopic that avoids clichés, choosing instead a more artistic, performative, and poetic path. In this sense, Azul Serra's cinematography deserves special praise: it not only captures concerts and behind-the-scenes moments beautifully but turns them into living canvases of expression and resistance.

The standout, however, is Jesuíta Barbosa's performance. He doesn't imitate Ney - he becomes him. From body language to his soft yet firm voice, from the stage presence to intimate silences, Jesuíta conveys the raw and delicate strength of one of Brazil's greatest artists. His portrayal is undoubtedly one of the most powerful in recent Brazilian cinema.

The film succeeds in portraying Ney's public and private persona with sensitivity, especially his courageous stance during Brazil's military dictatorship. It's moving to see how Ney, through art and sensuality, challenged censorship, repression, and prejudice during such a fearful time.

That said, some aspects could have been explored in greater depth. Ney's relationship with Marco de Maria, for instance, is briefly mentioned but underdeveloped - the same goes for his connection with Cazuza and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which deeply affected his artistic generation. These are glimpses that deserved more time and emotional depth.

Still, Homem com H is a necessary film - for fans, for those unfamiliar with Ney, and especially for a country still in need of revisiting its wounds and recognizing its symbols of freedom. Ney Matogrosso was - and is - one of those symbols. And here, his story receives the tribute it deserves: visceral, intense, artistic, and true.

It's been a long time since I watched and re-watched a film on loop. It now happens to me with this biopic introducing to life and career of Ney Matogrosso (absolutely little known in Italy). And what a shame that his human and artistic story did not meet with the favor of distribution in my country. The film was also an opportunity to meet other Brazilian stage celebrities (Cazuza) who are also unknown here.

The film is fast paced, catchy and hot. The protagonist, what can I say? Jesuita Barbosa takes it all and steals the scene from the supporting actors. With his look a little crazy a little tender, the dazzling choreographies and music, the amazing costumes, here is a film that I will see again and again.