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Magellan

Play trailer Magellan 2025 2h 35m Biography Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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16th century. Magellan, a young and ambitious Portuguese navigator, rebels against the power of the King, who doesn't support his dream of discovering the world. He persuades the Spanish Crown to fund his bold expedition to the fabled lands of the East. The voyage is exhausting beyond expectations, with hunger and mutiny pushing the crew to their limits. Upon reaching the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, Magellan's mind changes. He becomes obsessed with conquest and conversion, which sparks violent uprisings beyond his control. This is not the myth of Magellan, but the truth of his journey.

Critics Reviews

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Zach Lewis Slant Magazine The film bluntly puts its historical horrors on display, but it’s careful not to explicitly posit their causes. Rated: 3/4 Sep 5, 2025 Full Review Guy Lodge Variety ...while “Magellan” reps Diaz’s best shot at general arthouse distribution in some time, it’s no artistic compromise. The spirit of slow cinema is alive and languid in this stunningly mounted, politically rigorous work... May 28, 2025 Full Review Jordan Mintzer The Hollywood Reporter This exquisitely crafted feature may be one of the director’s most accessible works to date. May 27, 2025 Full Review Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue This deliberately paced yet well-acted biopic is a visually striking portrait of mythology, colonialism, and spirituality set against a backdrop of 16th century sociopolitical turmoil. Oct 13, 2025 Full Review Philip Bagnall Loud and Clear Reviews Magellan may be one of the most visually striking films of the year, but it looks more urgent than it actually is. Rated: 3/5 Oct 7, 2025 Full Review Alfred Castaneda Shade Studios Cinephiles that are big history buffs will relish this. Lav Diaz has given us an unforgettable and at times hypnotic work that invites repeat viewing – if you can stomach the runtime. Sep 22, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Lav Diaz

Director

Gael García Bernal

Actor

Ângela Azevedo

Actor

Amado Arjay Babon

Actor

Ronnie Lazaro

Actor

Hazel Orencio

Actor
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Magellan

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Movie Info

Synopsis 16th century. Magellan, a young and ambitious Portuguese navigator, rebels against the power of the King, who doesn't support his dream of discovering the world. He persuades the Spanish Crown to fund his bold expedition to the fabled lands of the East. The voyage is exhausting beyond expectations, with hunger and mutiny pushing the crew to their limits. Upon reaching the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, Magellan's mind changes. He becomes obsessed with conquest and conversion, which sparks violent uprisings beyond his control. This is not the myth of Magellan, but the truth of his journey.
Director
Lav Diaz
Screenwriter
Lav Diaz
Production Co
Rosa Filmes, Andergraun Films, Lib Films, Black Cap Pictures
Genre
Biography, Drama, History
Original Language
Portuguese
Runtime
2h 35m