Change of Life

Co-written by Reis, Rocha’s Change of Life represents another node in the evolution of the former’s docudrama style. When Adelino returns from service in the Angolan War of Independence, he finds the woman he loves married to his brother. He skips town to find work in rural Portugal, only to find himself thrust into a surprising romance that challenges him to change his life. Though more formally traditional than his later work, Reis’ collaboration with Rocha maintains one of the key facets of his entire oeuvre: a deep commitment to portraying the complex humanity of his subjects.