O Samba: The Warriors of Dance

Exploring Brazilian samba music, this documentary introduces a wide range of influential musicians and schools, with informative background provided by knowledgeable historians. Born in the early 20th century in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Bahia, samba--an infectious sound that captures the soul of Brazil--was created as music to dance to. Here, samba schools such as Mangueira, Portela, Salgueiro, and Imperio Serrano lend their expertise, while live performances by legendary guitarists Baden Powell and Roberto Menescal allow a glimpse into samba's history. Each style of samba is represented, and historians Fernando Faro and Almir Chediak provide further contextualization. This lively, spirited documentary is a perfect vehicle for an introduction to a vital music form, as well as an entertaining meditation on its role in Brazilian life and culture.