A vanished wife. A borrowed name. A house in the Portuguese countryside. Grieving and aimless, quiet geography teacher Fernando slips into another man's identity as a gardener - and finds, in the friendship that follows, a life that isn't his own. A tender and hopeful story about connection and purpose.
The Garden Cinema View:
A quiet yet thoroughly gripping drama that explores different types of displacement and the beauty of embracing the unexpected turns of life. The languorous, unhurried, pacing adds to the film's charm, which is complemented by the luscious cinematography capturing the beauty of Ponte de Lima area. The film's strength is the sophisticated portrayal of the main characters, supported by excellent performances from Manolo Solo, Maria de Medeiros, and Branka Katić.
Small and mysterious, and totally lacking affectation, The Portuguese House doesn't announce itself, waiting for you to notice that it has already moved you.
