MOVIES FROM BRAZIL

Some essays on important or interesting movies from Brazil. We have attemped to verify that all the facts are correct and we likewise hope the opinions are valid. Please understand that this section is not meant to be a complete guide to art and that not all Brazilians will fit into any description found in this section.

History of Brazilian Cinema
100 and some years of movie history in Brazil. The major periods, studios, directors and artists. A few words about two mortal enemies: money and Hollywood.
BEST MOVIES
A list of my favorite and not so favorite movies. These include only a few of the Brazilian films I've seen. Some are very good and some are pure junk.

NOW SOME MOVIE REVIEWS

BYE BYE BRAZIL
My favorite movie. This is by far the most brazilian of movies made in Brazil. The story is ironic, dramatic and even funny. It is the story of a travelling carnaval that tries to out run progress.
GLAUBER ROCHA vs THE REST OF THE WORLD
Rocha is considered one of the great geniuses of Brazilian cinema. Warning: His works are not for the average person. They are primitive and even crude. Basically, Glauber's are a protest against foreign influence (Hollywood) and the lacks of funds to make a more sofisticated film (or better?) . Hey, I even have a newphew named after him!
MACUNAIMA the HERO WITH NO CHARACTER
The story of Brazil, in a very complex and confusing allegory about race, money and social status. Does anyone really understand the book, and the movies is a simplyied version of Mario de Adrades "masterpiece".
XICA DA SILVA
The story of XICA, a black slave that became a major power in the household of a Brazilian noble. The acting is less that great, but the story is close to reality. Most on screen yelling since Amadeus.
ORFEUS STRIKES BACK
The greek tragedy brought to the streets and slums of Rio. Probably the most shown Brazilian movies on American and European TV. Great music, good acting, but "death" needs work.
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