Livraria Lello inspires the scenario of a new Netflix action film

The action of Gunpowder Milkshake, a Netflix production that recently premiered in the Portuguese cinemas, takes place around a beautiful library. The interior of the space is inspired by Livraria Lello, with an emphasis on a recreation of the emblematic red staircase.

In Gunpowder Milkshake, the silence and tranquility of a library are the perfect covers for crime, and the unlikely and surprising setting for chases and shootings. Librarians are part of a murderers group and books are used to hide weapons. The action takes place in a library whose exterior resembles Museum Island, in Berlin, and the interior has clear references to Livraria Lello, in Porto.

“We can only be happy and flattered to know that the beauty of Livraria Lello inspired the scenario of the film where we read a powerful metaphor: books can be weapons”, says Livraria Lello administrator Aurora Pedro Pinto. "Entering a library or a bookshop is always a unique opportunity to find powerful weapons, armed with knowledge, magic, and hope."

In the action thriller by Israeli director Navot Papushado, the weapons part is more literal, but if the viewer is also an attentive reader, he will realize that nothing was left to chance, and find several subliminal messages between the shooting and kicking, that happen at a breakneck pace.

Gunpowder Milkshake premiered in the Portuguese cinemas last Thursday and will soon be available on Netflix. The film's cast is made up of well-known names like Karen Gillan and Lena Headey.