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Diaz's 'Magellan' Redefines Colonialism at Cannes

5/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz's "Magellan" made a powerful debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, challenging the glorified narrative of the Portuguese explorer. Starring Gael García Bernal, this gripping three-hour epic delves into the dark realities of colonialism, portraying Magellan not as a hero, but as a deeply flawed character entangled in the violence and exploitation of his era.

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Story summary

Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz's "Magellan" made a powerful debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, challenging the glorified narrative of the Portuguese explorer. Starring Gael García Bernal, this gripping three-hour epic delves into the dark realities of colonialism, portraying Magellan not as a hero, but as a deeply flawed character entangled in the violence and exploitation of his era.