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Magic Mirror by Manoel de Oliveira
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Magic Mirror
by Manoel de Oliveira

Alfreda is a young aristocrat obsessed with the idea that she will see an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Suffering from a serious illness, Alfreda seeks support from a priest, a nun and an English teacher. However, a plan is concocted to satisfy Alfreda’s desire and “relieve” her of some of her money…

Original Title: Espelho Mágico
Countries: Portugal
Year: 2005
Ratio: 1:1,85
Length: 137 min
Language: Portuguese
Festivals & Awards
2005
  • Venice Film Festival – Competition
About Director
Manoel de Oliveira

Manoel de Oliveira (1908–2015) was a legendary Portuguese filmmaker whose career spanned over 80 years—from silent cinema to the 21st century. Known for his poetic, philosophical, and highly original style, Oliveira directed acclaimed works such as "Aniki-Bobó", "The Rite of Spring", and "Abraham’s Valley", often blending literature, theatre, and history. Celebrated at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, he received numerous international awards, including the Honorary Palme d’Or. Oliveira remained creatively active well past 100, leaving behind a singular legacy in world cinema.

FILMOGRAPHY
  • O conquistador conquistado – 2012 – Short film
  • Eccentricities of a Blonde-Haired Girl – 2009
  • Belle Toujours – 2006
  • Magic Mirror – 2005
  • Blind Man’s Bluff – 1994
  • Abraham’s Valley – 1993
  • Day of Despair – 1992
  • The Divine Comedy – 1991
  • No, or the Vain Glory of Command – 1990
  • The Cannibals – 1988
  • My Case – 1986
  • The Satin Slipper – 1985
  • Lisboa Cultural – 1983 – Short film
  • Visit or Memories and Confessions – 1982
  • Doomed Love – 1978
  • Benilde or the Virgin Mother – 1975
  • Past and Present – 1972
  • Romance de Vila do Conde – 1968 – Short film
  • Rite of Spring – 1963
  • A Caça – 1963 – Short film
  • O Pão – 1959 – Short film
  • As pinturas do meu irmão Júlio – 1959 – Short film
  • O Pintor e a Cidade – 1956 – Short film
  • Aniki-Bóbó – 1942
  • Famalicão – 1941 – Short film
  • Portugal já faz automóveis – 1938 – Short film
  • Hulha Branca – 1932 – Short film
  • Douro Faina Fluvial – 1931 – Short film
Cast & Crew
Cast

Leonor Silveira
Ricardo Trêpa
Susana Sá
Leonor Baldaque
Luís Miguel Cintra
Michel Piccoli

Crew

Screenwriter: Manoel de Oliveira, based on the novel A Alma dos Ricos by Agustina Bessa-Luís
DOP: Renato Berta
Editor: Valérie Loiseleux
Costume Design: Piedade Antunes
Sound: Henri Maikoff
Producer: Miguel Cadilhe
Production: Filbox
World Sales: Luxbox