Heleno (2011)

Heleno (2011) is an evocative portrayal of Heleno de Freitas (1920/1959), beautifully brought to life by Rodrigo Santoro, who was more than just a footballer; he was a Brazilian legend. Known for his extraordinary talent on the field, Heleno was also notorious for his volatile temperament and captivating charm that dominated the nightlife. He was a paradox - handsome, elegant, yet arrogantly indifferent to his athletic responsibilities, indulging in constant bohemian escapades, substance abuse and creating a wave of controversies within his club, Botafogo. Never one to shy from the limelight, his life was a whirlwind of fame and friction, which included a brief Argentine sojourn, where he traded football jerseys for outerwear, unable to bear the biting cold. The film draws inspiration from Marcos Eduardo Neves' book "There was never a man like Heleno," a title reflective of Rita Hayworth's movie "Gilda," which incidentally was Heleno's unflattering nickname. However, "Heleno" transcends the realm of football, offering a stark exploration of the tumultuous life of an unprepared and ambiguous celebrity. Filmed in striking black and white, it boasts of exceptional cinematography and a meticulously recreated period setting, complemented by a well-coordinated cast and Santoro's stellar performance. The movie, while centred around football, is a deep dive into the tempestuous world of a flawed genius.

Heleno is a drama movie featuring Rodrigo Santoro.

It is possible to buy Heleno on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.