Assault on the Santa Maria Poster

Assault on the Santa Maria 2010

★ 4.73 votes104 min📅 2010-09-23

Assault on the Santa Maria (2010) transports viewers back to January 22, 1961, when a daring act of political defiance unfolded aboard a Portuguese luxury liner.

Director: Francisco Manso

Cast

Carlos Paulo
Carlos Paulo
Capitão Henrique Galvão
Leonor Seixas
Leonor Seixas
Ilda Enes
Pedro Cunha
Pedro Cunha
Zé Ramos
Alfonso Agra
Alfonso Agra
Comandante Jorge de Sottomayor
Vítor Norte
Vítor Norte
Tenente-Coronel Alfredo Enes
Miguel Borines
Miguel Borines
Velo Mosquera
Bruno Simões
Bruno Simões
Júlio
João Maria Pinto
João Maria Pinto
Comandante Mário Simões Maia
António Pedro Cerdeira
António Pedro Cerdeira
Camilo Mortágua
Maria d'Aires
Maria d'Aires
Amália Enes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Assault on the Santa Maria (2010) about?

The film dramatizes the real-life 1961 takeover of the Santa Maria cruise liner by anti-dictatorship activists led by Henrique Galvão. It follows a crew and passengers who become unwilling participants in a bold political act to expose Portugal's authoritarian regime.

Who directed Assault on the Santa Maria?

Director Francisco Manso guides the film with a sharp eye for tension and historical authenticity.

Who stars in Assault on the Santa Maria?

The film features standout performances from Carlos Paulo, Leonor Seixas, Pedro Cunha, Alfonso Agra, and Vítor Norte.

Is Assault on the Santa Maria (2010) worth watching?

Packed with drama, romance, and high-stakes rebellion, it's a compelling watch for fans of historical thrillers. While not widely rated, its unique premise and strong performances make it a hidden gem worth exploring.

How long is Assault on the Santa Maria?

The film runs for 104 minutes, offering a tight, engaging runtime.

About Assault on the Santa Maria (2010) — True Story of a Bold Maritime Rebellion

Assault on the Santa Maria (2010) transports viewers back to January 22, 1961, when a daring act of political defiance unfolded aboard a Portuguese luxury liner. Directed by Francisco Manso, this gripping drama reimagines the true story of a coalition of Portuguese and Spanish opposition activists who seized control of the Santa Maria, a floating symbol of dictatorship rule. With tension thick as ocean waves and stakes higher than the ship's deck, the film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and the high cost of challenging oppression.

Led by an ensemble cast including Carlos Paulo, Leonor Seixas, and Pedro Cunha, the narrative weaves personal stakes with historical weight, as the crew transforms from passengers to freedom fighters in a single night. Francisco Manso crafts an atmosphere of suspense and moral urgency, blending romance and drama against the backdrop of one of the 20th century's most audacious maritime hijackings. Whether you're drawn to historical thrillers or stories of ideological courage, this film delivers both intensity and insight.