The Green Years

'Los verdes años' is the debut feature by Paulo Rocha ('Vanitas', 'Change of Life'). It is filmed in impeccable black and white and is one of Portuguese cinema's most striking coming-of-age films. Rocha co-wrote the screenplay with writer Nuno Bragança. Together they created what is considered one of the most representative films of the 'New Portuguese Cinema' movement. Although it was released in 1963, almost sixty years ago, it tells a story that still resonates today.

'Los verdes años' tells the story of Julio, a young man around eighteen-nineteen years old, who has just arrived in the Portuguese capital to work with his uncle, with whom he will learn the shoemaker's trade. In Lisbon, he meets Ilda, a maid who is a regular customer in the shop. A short friendship develops between the two of them, which will soon lead to a tempting and unbridled romance that will make them clash with the reality of the world around them.

It stars Rui Gomes as Julio, and two-time Golden Globe winner Isabel Ruth, who made her acting debut in this movie, portraying Ilda. The rest of the cast is completed by Ruy Furtado and Paulo Renato, as well as the participation of Candida Lacerda, Carlos José Teixeria, Irene Dine, and the American Harry Wheeland.