Archive · 15 Jan 2026
The Secret Agent: Brazil's Political Blockbuster
The Secret Agent is a Brazilian movie that tells a story about a man named Armando, who was a teacher and is now trying to escape from trouble during a time when the military was in control of Brazil.
The movie is set in the 1970s but talks about things that happened more recently, like when a president named Bolsonaro was in power.
The movie has won some big awards, like the Golden Globe, and has become very popular in Brazil.
The director and the main actor, Wagner Moura, have been talking about how the movie feels very personal to them because it's about their country and its history.
They are happy that the movie is doing well and that people are talking about it, even though some people who don't like the movie's message have been writing about it too.
The director is planning his next movie, which will also be set in Brazil and will talk about a different time in history.
The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho and starring Wagner Moura, has become a surprise box office hit in Brazil, surpassing 1 million viewers and earning R$25M ($4.5M).
The film won the Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Film and was Brazil's pick for the international Oscar, opening in the UK on February 20.
Set in the 1970s during Brazil's military dictatorship, the film draws parallels to recent political events, including the Bolsonaro era.
Wagner Moura expressed that the film feels deeply personal, as he has lived through the political turmoil it depicts.
The film's success has sparked discussions, including from the far right, and has led to a 230% increase in the Brazilian box office on the day of the Golden Globe win.
- Who
- Wagner Moura (lead actor), Kleber Mendonça Filho (director), Emilie Lesclaux (producer)
- What
- The Secret Agent is a Brazilian film about political turmoil during the military dictatorship, reflecting on recent Brazilian politics, particularly the Bolsonaro era.
- When
- The film was released in Brazil on November 6, 2023, and is set to open in the UK on February 20.
- Where
- The film was shot in Recife, Brazil, and is set in the 1970s.
- Why
- The film aims to highlight Brazil's political history and the impact of authoritarian regimes, resonating with current political climate.
- Film Title
- The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto)
- Director
- Kleber Mendonça Filho
- Lead Actor
- Wagner Moura
- Release Date (Brazil)
- November 6, 2023
- Box Office (Brazil)
- R$25M ($4.5M)
- Box Office (US)
- $2.1M
- Budget
- $5M
- Awards
- Golden Globe (Best Non-English Language Film), Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor, Best Director)