The Amulet of Ogum

Nelson Pereira dos Santos's 1974 Brazilian film follows a young man believed to be impervious to bullets. His mother had an amulet made to protect him, and in that belief he becomes a gunman for a gang. The film gives the story in the voice of a folk singer. The narrator enters the scene and relays events in song; the narrative attempts no realism and keeps the form of a folk tale. Umbanda belief appears directly inside the narrative, an uncommon choice in Brazilian cinema at the time. It was made under military government, and violence and poverty are shown openly. Who it's for: those who like Brazilian cinema and folk narrative forms. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a realistic crime film; the film proceeds in the order of a tale.