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Brazil (1985)

8.0
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Ratings: 8.0/10 from 110,102 users   Metascore: 88/100
Reviews: 457 user | 159 critic | 12 from Metacritic.com

A bureaucrat in a retro-future world tries to correct an administrative error and himself becomes an enemy of the state.

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(screenplay), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Title: Brazil (1985)

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Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Harry Tuttle
...
...
Mr. Kurtzmann
...
...
...
...
...
...
Barbara Hicks ...
Mrs. Terrain
Charles McKeown ...
Lime
...
Dowser
Kathryn Pogson ...
Shirley
Bryan Pringle ...
Spiro
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Storyline

Sam Lowry is a harried technocrat in a futuristic society that is needlessly convoluted and inefficient. He dreams of a life where he can fly away from technology and overpowering bureaucracy, and spend eternity with the woman of his dreams. While trying to rectify the wrongful arrest of one Harry Buttle, Lowry meets the woman he is always chasing in his dreams, Jill Layton. Meanwhile, the bureaucracy has fingered him responsible for a rash of terrorist bombings, and both Sam and Jill's lives are put in danger. Written by Philip Brubaker <coda@nando.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

It's only a state of mind. See more »

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

18 December 1985 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

1984 and 1/2  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$9,929,000 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (edited) | (director's cut) | (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The poster which reads "Information the key to Prosperity / Ministry of Information" (at about 12:00) is a reference to Soviet 1923 advertisement poster "Rezinotrest" made by Vladimir Mayakovsky. The movie poster uses the same colors and style (half of word "Prosperity" green, half red, similar to word "Rezinotrest" on the original poster). See more »

Goofs

Holly's hair has a big gap in her front bangs when she says her one line, whereas before her bangs were intact. Holly Gilliam did this on purpose in an effort to avoid working on the scene again because she despised the process of filming. It didn't work, and the result is the continuity error. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Singers: [TV commercial jingle] Central Services: We do the work, you do the pleasure.
TV commercial pitchman: Hi, there. I want to talk to you about ducts.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The only credits at the start of the film were the preliminary studio credits, a credit for Gilliam, and the title. All other credits are at the end. (Although commonplace today, the lack of full opening credits was still unusual in 1985). All versions of the film, including the "Love Conquers All" edit follow this format. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Gamera vs. Guiron (1991) See more »

Soundtracks

"Brazil"
Music by Ary Barroso
English Lyrics by S.K. Russell
(C) 1939 by Irmaos Visale, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
(C) 1939 by Southern Music Publishing Company Inc., New York, N.Y., U.S.A.
(C) obtained 1982 by Peer International Corporation, New York, N.Y., U.S.A.
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
a masterwork
6 December 2004 | by (toledo, ohio) – See all my reviews

Brazil is a true masterpiece. Like something that was wrenched from the surreal dreams of Salvidore Dali, images in this movie are dark, funny, disturbing, thought-provoking, and profound, all at the same time. This is truly a movie you can watch multiple times and find new themes each time. When it was released, it had some important things to say. Today, in our society that is scared into semi-paralysis by the threat of terrorists and the overly oppressive response of our own government, this movie is more relevant than ever. If yoy pay attention, you may actually walk away from this movie with a profound sense of understanding. Most everyone I have recommended this movie to has been deeply moved in some way by it. This movie should be required viewing!


116 of 160 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
The (most) hilarious thing in Brazil's retro-future world... Ramuna
Why make a movie like this? troxx
Why do you like it? brucedgo
WHY is it not in the top 250?? sophiavladimirovna
Problems with Ebert's review... nobody_nameless
Funniest Line in a Movie Ever jkeyz42
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