By Roger Costa
FLIGHT 375
Controversial, unnerving and utterly tense, Marcus Baldini’s thrilling recount on the audacious 1988’s hijack of the flight 375 proves that Brazilian cinema is richly diverse and sufficiently capable of crafting a Blockbuster-like action flick in the standards of Hollywood. The incredible work of sound effects, editing and cinematography enhances the reputation of reality-news on this edge-of-you-seat and ultra violent suspense. Built as a subtle protest against political negligence, Baldini works with fantastic actors as well, creating a relevant and relatable portrait on the never-ending quest of the lower classes for economic stability in a country where corruption seems to be the primary inheritance of colonialism. The story centers on how the pilot Murilo managed to keep the passengers safe while saving time and negotiating with the hijacker Nonato. The criminal attempted to crash the plane into the Palacio do Planalto (the Brazilian White House) to kill President Sarney because “he promised jobs and a better country but didn’t do it”- sounds like every Brazilian talking. Highly suspenseful and impeccably crafted, the result is an accurate (and timely) piece of history.
MY SISTER AND I
Two unlikely sisters go on a road trip trying to locate the whereabouts of their mysteriously vanished mother. Ingrid Guimaraes and Tata Werneck are fabulous and wildly hilarious in this efficient, smart take on family bond and the female eagerness for freedom and empowerment. A hit at the Brazilian box-office, director Susana Garcia is up for the Best Comedy Prize at this year’s Grande Othelo Awards, the equivalent to the Oscars. Garcia had worked with late actor Paulo Gustavo, co-writing and directing some of his films. Here she pays homage to the brilliant and popular actor using a charismatic sense of family and co-dependence. But the show belongs exclusively to the pair of actresses who devour their lines with impressive comic chemistry, creating an admirable connection to the audience. They deliver extremely funny moments of subversion, recklessness, sillyness and sexiness, making it an irresistible and graceful modern comedy about second chances.
GREAT SERTAO
Caio Blat and Luisa Arraes lead a top cast in Guel Arraes’ exquisite, dystopian adaptation of João Guimarães Rosa’s classic novel. Narrated with the same lyricism and poetry extracted from the classic, Arraes transports the action to a near-future mega Favela where the constant combats between police and civilians turn the place into a divided war zone. While their world collapses and violence increases, Riobaldo enters the criminal world attempting to stay closer to Diadorim, whom he secretly loves. The visually-striking gothic aesthetic permeates throughout the story and it masterly captures the darkness of the dystopian battle for control as well as it richly touches base with the subtle homoeroticism of the romance. Winner of the Best Film Critics Choice at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it also was nominated for the Best Director Award, Arraes confirms his artistry as one of Latin America’s most qualifying filmmakers.
MY NAME IS GAL
Sophie Charlotte gives a wonderful and convincing performance in this melancholic and spontaneous musical biopic chronicling the ascencion of a shy talented vocalist from Bahia into one of the nation’s most prestigious (and revolutionary) idols. From her early formation, venturing through the musical movements surging in late 60’s-early 70’s such as Bossa Nova, Tropicalismo and Brazilian jazz, the film helmed by duo Dandara Ferreira and Lô Politi, paints a lovely and empathic canvas of Gal Costa, her collaborations with other giants of MPB, her relationship with her mother and the secret lesbian affair. But most importantly it emphasizes on the responsibility she has taken over music when her peers were getting arrested or exiled. Anchored by Charlotte’s enigmatic performance and stunning musical moments, it is an essential and triumphant biography on one of Brazil’s most valuable treasures.
MAGAL AND MAGALI
Lively, vibrant and contagiously exuberant, Director Paulo Machline’s disco-era romatic musical saga is as efferverscent as the subject it depicts. A truthful and immersive take on Sidney Magal’s appeal and confidence with his fans as well as the sexual tension he caused everywhere he performed, the film is set during his tour in 1979’s Salvador where he accidentally falls in love for a young pageant from a conservative family. Blending good humor, smart social and cultural references and a catchy love story, Machline achieves a fresh and heartfelt addition to the biopic genre, while also delivering a fascinating portrait of a generation. Fueled by sexy dancing numbers, it is a delightful and richly entertaining crowd-pleaser.
(The Inffinito Brazilian Film Festival runs August 19 thru September 29 with screenings, parties and events in New York City and Miami. Go to https://brazilianfilmfestival.com/ for details and full schedule)
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