The documentary on Maguila shows all sides of the Brazilian boxing idol

The life of Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues – who in his youth went from being a bricklayer’s assistant to becoming a national boxing idol – is the focus of a new Globoplay documentary series, launched a year after his death. The boy from the North East, who experienced deprivation before achieving fame, used sport as a tool to rewrite his destiny. The production, entitled ‘Maguila – I’d rather go crazy than starve‘, revisits in four episodes the journey of the former boxer who personified determination and overcoming for Brazilians in the 80s and 90s. However, the documentary also reveals the weaknesses and dramas of the man behind the charisma and the knockouts, including the physical pain and illness that victimized him.

The documentary presents previously unpublished testimonies from family members and public figures such as Raúl Gil, Jose Luis Datena, Milton Neves, Serginho Groismann AND Tom Cavalcanteilluminating the most intimate side of the boxer, marked by sacrifices. Among the most touching moments are the relationships of Iranihis longtime companion, on the progression of the chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or “dementia pugilistica”, which affected him. The son, Juniorhe also shares touching memories of how his father welcomed him warmly when he discovered his sexuality.

A human and profound portrait

The director of works, Raffaele Pirrohe emphasized that the goal of the series was to go beyond in-ring results. “More than the knockouts and victories, I wanted to bring to this series a human and in-depth portrait of Maguila. The journey of a man who made boxing his only opportunity to transform his life.”he states Pyrrhus. He underlines that the narrative highlights the family relationships, the adversities and the glory of the fighter, who has become an icon capable of representing the inequalities and hope of Brazil. “It is a story of struggle, sacrifice and identification that remains relevant and speaks directly to the country today”.

The series is structured to guide the viewer through crucial moments in the life of Maguila. The first episode shows his departure from Aracaju for São Paulo and the beginning of his successful collaboration. The following chapters explore the consolidation of his image as a national idol, his marriage to Irani and the greatest challenges in the ring. The final episodes deal with the decline of boxing success, the increase in his presence on television and the emergence of the first signs of the disease that will culminate in his final years, portraying the fighter already dealing with the consequences of the sport that made him famous.

Source: Terra