A Guerra do Pente 1986
In the heart of Curitiba on a tense December afternoon in 1959, a seemingly trivial dispute over the price of a comb erupts into a raw, explosive moment in Brazilian history.
Director: Nivaldo Lopes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Guerra do Pente (1986) about?
The film reconstructs a real-life incident in 1959 Curitiba where a minor disagreement over a comb's price spirals into a public riot. It follows the unraveling of a seemingly ordinary moment into extraordinary chaos as tensions between a Military Police officer and a shopkeeper draw a crowd that turns violent.
Who directed A Guerra do Pente?
The film was directed by Nivaldo Lopes, a filmmaker known for his work in Brazilian documentary cinema. His approach blends historical documentation with dramatic storytelling.
Who stars in A Guerra do Pente?
Cast details are not listed in available sources, but the film focuses heavily on the historical figures involved in the incident, including Military Police officer Haroldo Tavares and shopkeeper Amhad Najar.
Is A Guerra do Pente (1986) worth watching?
As a 55-minute documentary steeped in historical authenticity, *A Guerra do Pente* offers a fascinating glimpse into a little-known chapter of Brazilian social history. While it lacks mainstream appeal, its raw energy and provocative themes make it a compelling watch for documentary enthusiasts exploring moments of collective rebellion.
How long is A Guerra do Pente?
The film runs for 55 minutes.
About A Guerra do Pente (1986) — The Documentary That Captured a Small Spark Leading to a Big Rebellion
In the heart of Curitiba on a tense December afternoon in 1959, a seemingly trivial dispute over the price of a comb erupts into a raw, explosive moment in Brazilian history. Nivaldo Lopes' gripping documentary *A Guerra do Pente* (1986) captures the spark that ignites a spontaneous rebellion, as a Military Police warrant officer's demand for an invoice spirals into chaos when a shopkeeper resists. What begins as a personal argument in the Bazar Centenário quickly draws a crowd, their frustration boiling over into destruction. Within hours, the incident escalates beyond Praça Tiradentes, revealing deeper societal tensions simmering beneath the surface of mid-century Brazil.
Filmed with documentary precision, the 55-minute runtime immerses viewers in the raw energy of a moment that defies simple categorization—part historical record, part social commentary. Lopes crafts an atmosphere thick with tension, where every raised voice and shattered window feels like a challenge to authority. The film doesn't just recount events; it recreates the atmosphere of collective unrest, making *A Guerra do Pente* a compelling exploration of how small grievances can ignite unforeseen upheaval.