Gerald Wright's Movie Coverage
CINE FEST PETROBRAS BRASIL - NY
VERONICA
Directed by: Mauricio Farias
Running time: 90 minutes
Genre: Drama
Feature Film-NY Premiere
In Brazilian Portuguese with English subtitles
This is a Brazilian John Cassavetes style "Gloria" with a poignant slick theme. Veronica is a sharp and smart movie of a divorced middle-aged school teacher, brilliantly played by Andrea Beltrao, who goes on the run with one of her students. The little boy (Marco Ricca) is targeted by thugs after the murder of his parents in a favela killing. Veronica is a stern woman who taps into her unknown maternal instincts to care for this youngster. However, her cop ex-husband (Matheus De Sa) is involved in the killings and the love of their ex-marital relationship still has a spark. The story transposes into a cloak and dagger suspense action flick as the chase takes the audience through the busy streets of Rio De Janiero. This is good stuff.
FAVELA on BLAST
Directed by: Leandro HBL & Wesley Pentz (DJ Diplo)
Running time: 80 minutes
Genre: Documentary and Musical
Feature Film-NY Premiere (HD)
In Brazilian Portuguese with English subtitles
As large cities such Rio and Sao Paulo deal with poverty and crime, a new FUNK movement has taken on a place in its society. Much like the Rap movement changed the U.S.'s culture so has Brazilian Funk. This film depicts various musical artists in interviews and concerts, showing how in Favela (or what Americans call "The Hood") elevate themselves from their misfortunes to perform stimulating music. The music is sexually oriented with lyrics straight from experiences of a lifestyle deprived of the best life has to offer. Exploiting rebellious moods, songs are accompanied by driving rhythms with bump and grind dancers on stage. These performers pack concert venues to capacity. This explosive underground music is the relief necessary to combat the unjust political and social standards many endure. As a film, it is riverting and exciting to watch.
IN THERAPY
Directed by: Jose Alvarenga
Running time: 93 minutes
Genre: Comedy
Feature Film-NY Premiere
In Brazilian Portuguese with English subtitles
This intelligent and funny movie uses a broad range of comic tactics from absurdity to mockery, to sarcasm to irony to entertain the audience. IN THERAPY tells a story about a forty-something year old woman named Mercedes, humorously played by Lilia Cabral, who gets caught up in her mid-life crisis. She ventures into the real meaning of her real happiness in life. This married mother of two decides that her everyday life is boring. What started as curiosity becomes a devastating experience leading to a series of changes to her daily existence.
On the psychiatrist couch she questions her marriage, professional life and her allure. Her best friend (Alexandra Richter) who has been by her side has an attractive younger brother who Mercedes has a love affair with. When Mercedes crosses the infidelity line, her marriage grows apart. Meanwhile, her visits to her shrink (who is never seen) makes a great comedic sub-plot laced with aphorism.
MORE REVIEWS COMING SOON
For ticket and schedule information go to www.Brazilianfilmfestival.com .
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