The Man of the Year (2003)

In the vibrant heart of Rio, we meet Máiquel, a man adrift in life, characterized by his philosophical musings and subdued demeanor. His existence takes an unexpected twist when a lost bet lands him with an unusual badge of honor - a head full of blond hair. This seemingly trivial event becomes a turning point, an ignition switch that fuels newfound confidence within Máiquel. Propelled by this surge of self-belief, he steps out of his comfort zone, asking Cledir, the enchanting hairdresser, on a date. A run-in with a local tough kid, however, leads to an unforeseen act of violence, as Máiquel kills his tormentor. Instead of condemnation and arrest, he finds himself hailed as a local hero, the cops conveniently turning a blind eye to his dark deed. As Máiquel and Cledir's romance blossoms, he becomes entangled with Érica, the fifteen-year-old girlfriend of his victim. Insisting on his protection, she moves into his modest abode, adding another layer to an already complex situation. Máiquel's sudden notoriety also catches the attention of a group of affluent men who see in him a means to settle old scores and clean up the neighborhood. Job offers start pouring in, and Máiquel finds himself on a rollercoaster ride from anonymity to heroism to a life of crime, all within the span of 24 hours. As his life spirals towards an unknown destiny, Máiquel grapples with the tangled triangle of Érica, Cledir, and himself. The big question remains - in the midst of all this chaos, can Máiquel fulfil his humble desire of leading a normal life? "The Man of the Year" is a vivid exploration of a man's journey through life's unpredictable twists and turns, where every decision echoes with unforeseen consequences.

The Man of the Year is a crime movie featuring Murilo Benício and directed by José Henrique Fonseca.

The Man of the Year is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.