Mysteries of Lisbon

Aroview: Sprawling, utterly beguiling tribute to the power of stories set in 19th century Lisbon where an orphan boy discovers the truth about his birth and finds himself in the middle of a series of romantic intrigues.

An elegant piece of work that justifies its running time, but is also discursive in the extreme, many viewers will want a map to keep up character's coming and goings, Ruiz's penultimate film delights in the possibilities of narrative and isn't averse to disappearing down a few cul de sacs plot-wise. Though the material may seem old-fashioned Ruiz's sprightly approach is anything but, with unusual camera angles, and some characters seen only in long shot.

NZ International Film Festival 2011