
The Assailant 2009
João Daniel Tikhomiroff's *The Assailant* (2009) reimagines the legendary life of Besouro, a fiery capoeira master from Bahia whose real-world prowess between 1910 and 1920 became the stuff of folklore.
Director: João Daniel Tikhomiroff
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Assailant (2009) about?
*The Assailant* tells the larger-than-life story of Besouro, a capoeira fighter from Bahia whose legendary skills made him a symbol of resistance. Set against Brazil's early 20th-century backdrop, the film follows his journey from an ordinary young man to a mythic figure who defies oppression through both art and action. It's a fusion of historical drama and fantastical adventure.
Who directed The Assailant?
The film was directed by João Daniel Tikhomiroff, a filmmaker known for blending cultural storytelling with dynamic visuals.
Who stars in The Assailant?
The main cast includes Aílton Carmo as Besouro, alongside Jéssica Barbosa, Irandhir Santos, and Flávio Rocha, who bring depth to this high-energy drama.
Is The Assailant (2009) worth watching?
While IMDb ratings are unavailable, *The Assailant* stands out for its genre-blending ambition—mixing capoeira's athletic spectacle with dramatic intensity. Fans of cultural action films or Afro-Brazilian folklore will find it a gripping, visually rich experience.
How long is The Assailant?
The film runs for 94 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
The Assailant: A Mythic Capoeira Tale from Bahia — 2009 Film Info
João Daniel Tikhomiroff's *The Assailant* (2009) reimagines the legendary life of Besouro, a fiery capoeira master from Bahia whose real-world prowess between 1910 and 1920 became the stuff of folklore. This vibrant mix of drama, action, and fantasy follows a young Afro-Brazilian man as he discovers his destiny amid the swirling rhythms of capoeira, a martial art disguised as dance.
The film pulses with the raw energy of Brazil's coastal culture, blending historical grit with mythic undertones. Aílton Carmo stars in the titular role, supported by a cast that includes Jéssica Barbosa and Irandhir Santos, bringing depth to a story where heritage, resistance, and self-discovery collide. Tikhomiroff crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and celebration, turning every fight sequence into a poetic duel of wills.