Historic Centre Poster

Historic Centre 2012

★ 6.115 votes96 min📅 2012-11-10

Acclaimed Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira turns his lens on Guimarães, the legendary birthplace of Portugal, in *Historic Centre* (2012).

Director: Manoel de Oliveira

Cast

Ilkka Koivula
Ilkka Koivula
Barman
Ventura
Ventura
Ventura
Valdemar Santos
Valdemar Santos
Valdemar
Henriqueta Oliveira
Factory worker
Ricardo Trêpa
Ricardo Trêpa
Tourist Guide
Manuel Silva
Factory worker
Amandio Martins
Amandio Martins
Factory worker
Pedro Santos
Factory worker
Filomena Gigante
Filomena Gigante
Factory worker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Historic Centre (2012) about?

This contemplative film immerses viewers in the Portuguese city of Guimarães through the eyes of four individuals, uncovering its role as the cradle of the nation and its 2012 title as European Capital of Culture. It blends drama and documentary to reveal the city's rich cultural and historical tapestry.

Who directed Historic Centre?

The film was directed by the legendary Portuguese auteur Manoel de Oliveira, renowned for his innovative and introspective storytelling.

Who stars in Historic Centre?

The cast includes Ilkka Koivula, Ventura, Valdemar Santos, Henriqueta Oliveira, and Ricardo Trêpa, each contributing to the film's layered portrayal of Guimarães.

Is Historic Centre (2012) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, *Historic Centre* offers a meditative experience for fans of arthouse cinema and cultural documentaries. Its slow pace and poetic approach may appeal to those who appreciate Oliveira's signature style and the themes of heritage and memory.

How long is Historic Centre?

Historic Centre runs for 96 minutes, or 1 hour and 36 minutes.

About Historic Centre (2012) — A poetic journey through Guimarães' living history

Acclaimed Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira turns his lens on Guimarães, the legendary birthplace of Portugal, in *Historic Centre* (2012). This reflective blend of drama and documentary captures the city's layered history through the perspectives of four distinct voices, each offering a unique gaze at its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and cultural legacy.

Elevated by the European Capital of Culture designation in 2012, Oliveira's film transforms Guimarães into a living museum where past and present intertwine. With quiet intensity and poetic insight, the narrative explores identity, heritage, and the fleeting nature of time, inviting viewers to wander through a city that has witnessed centuries of transformation. Starring Ilkka Koivula, Ventura, and Ricardo Trêpa, the film unfolds like a cinematic postcard to a place where every stone whispers a story.