Marighella

Set against Brazil's turbulent 1960s, Marighella follows Carlos Marighella, a celebrated Afro-Brazilian poet and politician who becomes a lightning rod for resistance after a CIA-backed coup ushers in a brutal dictatorship. The film traces how the charismatic insurgent builds a clandestine network, challenging the security state with daring acts and strikes. Living apart from his wife and child, he weighs the costs of rebellion while rallying students, artisans, and fighters to dangerous causes. As the regime tightens its grip, Marighella grows infamous to the powers that be and becomes a symbol of defiance for a generation seeking civil rights and broad lasting freedom. The film also highlights the risks of living under surveillance and the personal sacrifices hidden behind resolve.

Directed by Wagner Moura, the film presents the life of Carlos Marighella as shaped by the work of Mário Magalhães and Felipe Braga. Released in 2021, the drama blends political history with action as Seu Jorge portrays the rebel leader.

Box office figures have not been publicly disclosed, and the film's release relied on festival showings and limited theatrical runs in select markets and streaming platforms. As a result its commercial footprint is difficult to compare with typical studio releases.

Reception is broadly positive, with critics praising the brisk pacing and Seu Jorge's commanding portrayal. It confronts civil rights struggles under a brutal dictatorship and asks tough questions about the costs of armed resistance, a mix that sparked lively discussions among audiences across Brazil and beyond. It engages students worldwide.

Cultural impact is seen in how the film reopens discussions about Brazil's dictatorship era and the life of a marginalized revolutionary. It has sparked conversations about memory, resistance, and the role of cinema in shaping public understanding of political violence. It informs debates in classrooms and media about democratic resilience.