Is A Sensational Crime Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1913)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1913, A Sensational Crime represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Following the trend of all world production, this was another film based on a true crime chronicle, based on the murder of industrialist Adolfo Freire by gardener Augusto Henriques, which took place in Rio de Janeiro. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Following the trend of all world production, this was another film based on a true crime chronicle, based on the murder of industrialist Adolfo Freire by gardener Augusto Henriques, which took place in Rio de Janeiro. No copy of Um Crime Sensacional survives, only 1 image from the film is known, which was placed in the magazine "Cinemin". It is not known whether the film was a "sound" film, that is, with actors dubbing themselves live behind the screen based on already recorded images. The only proof that the film could be a sound film is a 1913 song called "O Crime de Paula Matos" by Joaquim Pacheco, which may have been used in the sound versions of the film. This song is currently lost."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Antônio Ramos does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Alberto Botelho is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 72 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is A Sensational Crime truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, A Sensational Crime explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1913 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Alberto Botelho respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, A Sensational Crime is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Antônio Ramos or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, A Sensational Crime is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.