House of Sand

Name: House of Sand
Genre: Drama
Released: August 11, 2006
Duration: 115 min
Rating: 70

2006

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Ratings

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6.1	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Ratings

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The House Of Sand

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: August 11, 2006 | R

Summary: Áurea's saga starts in 1910, when, in pursuing a dream she never shared, she arrives in a caravan at a labyrinth of sand in Maranhão, northern Brazil. Her husband, Vasco, believes this land to be prosperous and she is condemned to a life in this barren place, her only female company being her mother, Dona Maria. Pregnant and dissatisfiedÁurea's saga starts in 1910, when, in pursuing a dream she never shared, she arrives in a caravan at a labyrinth of sand in Maranhão, northern Brazil. Her husband, Vasco, believes this land to be prosperous and she is condemned to a life in this barren place, her only female company being her mother, Dona Maria. Pregnant and dissatisfied with her destiny, she tries everything to find a way out. (Sony Pictures Classics)… Expand

Director: Andrucha Waddington

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 115 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Sean Axmaker

The story plays out in the sensuous textures and hypnotic rhythms as the rebellious youth Torres embodies eases into a serenity and acceptance that Montenegro brings so gently to her performance. Read full review

Marta Barber

In House of Sand, shifting sands are not a cliché; they provide the essential emotional and visual elements that make this film memorable. Read full review

Peter Rainer

Montenegro, the star of "Central Station," and her daughter make a remarkable pair. They hold your attention even when the emptily portentous story does not. Read full review

Michael Phillips

Soarez isn't really saying much with House of Sand, beyond marveling at the quirks of fate brought on by time. But the acting keeps it from floating into the ether. Read full review

V.A. Musetto

Ricardo Della Rosa's sumptuous, wide-screen cinematography takes full advantage of the sandy vista, complementing beautiful acting by Montenegro and Torres. Read full review

Andrew O'Hehir

It's an impressive film, beautifully photographed and marvelously acted. But is it more than a set of undeniably gorgeous affectations? Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

This pretentious 2005 art movie is somewhat interesting for its wide-screen photography of the striking locale, but the storytelling is awkward and confusing. Read full review

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User Reviews

TaniaK.

Jan 11, 2007

This movie is brilliant, but I think you have to be in a particular frame of mind to see that it's more than beautiful cinematography, more than the brilliant performances, and more than the understated emotions flowing throught the movie. To me, it's about finding out that no This movie is brilliant, but I think you have to be in a particular frame of mind to see that it's more than beautiful cinematography, more than the brilliant performances, and more than the understated emotions flowing throught the movie. To me, it's about finding out that no matter where you go to start over, whether it's a physical place or a mental place, your contentment and peace of heart is inside of you and not determined by external forces.… Expand

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AntonioJ.

Oct 17, 2006

One of the best Brazilian movies ever!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Welington

Aug 13, 2006

Good movie. Wonderfully acted and beautiful cinematography with something to say.

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Shirlee

Sep 27, 2006

A gorgeous movie in every sense.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

RobertBrogan

Oct 2, 2015

The House of Sand features excellent acting and good storytelling. While there may be some problems with the plot itself, it was believable that it was happening to the characters on-screen. I rate it up mainly on account of the fact that I cared about what happened and was rooting for theThe House of Sand features excellent acting and good storytelling. While there may be some problems with the plot itself, it was believable that it was happening to the characters on-screen. I rate it up mainly on account of the fact that I cared about what happened and was rooting for the character played by lead actress to make it out.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JohnA.

Oct 17, 2006

Excellent cinematography and acting. A moving story.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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