Testamento (1998)

Cape Verde’s wealthiest citizen dies and leaves all his possessions to the illegitimate daughter no one knew he had. As part of her inheritance, the young woman receives a series of audio cassettes which reveal the father she never knew, as well as the mystery and unpredictability of life itself.

Testamento

The film captured so much of the culture portraying reality with intrigue inherent in the character's story. Interesting, capitvating, exploratory. December 29, 2003

beautiful and human

This movie has more than its beautiful scenery - the Cape Verdan islands. Featuring a great acting cast and a 3-minute performance of world music star Cesaria Evora, the film tells the story of a local business man who disinherits his nephew and leaves his money and estate to his daughter, he never officially recognized. His life story is told by himself on tapes he left her and through her questions to everybody, he knew. It is a romantic story, describing the main character with gentle humour. The few (discrete)love scenes remotely reminded me of some french movies.
The slow pace of the film is common to outstanding European and African directors - yes African (Cape Verde is close to Senegal) - think of Ousmane Sembene and Wim Wenders, add a few humorous touches and enjoy the human side of cinema. 8 out of 10! April 10, 2002

Beautiful scenery is where it ends

O Testamento is a beautifully shot movie that shows the amazing geography of Cabo Verde but that is the movie's only redeamig quality. The extremely sexist script is slow to the point of being almost painfull to watch at times. I recommend just getting a travel video for Cape Verde and skipping this disappointing attempt at Cape Verdean filmaking. March 12, 2002

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