|
The
Brazilian Sound: Culture Planet |
Brazilian Directors
Carlos Diegues ("Cacá)
God Is Brazilian (DVD)
directed by Carlos Diegues
(2002)
This movie, God is Brazilian, is one of the best films of the year. In the story, God wishes to take a break from managing the Earth, and comes to Brazil to find a holy man to replace him for a short time, while he enjoys the stars and alternate universes. God meets several individuals on his "road trip" through Brazil to find this saint, and discusses his views on miracles, death, love, devotion, and faith. However, the movie is a comedy and turns out to be both theologically intriguing as well as "extremely funny" at times. I know of nothing like this film and it far surpasses any American film which tries to take a comical view of theological concerns. I cannot recommend it enough for those interested in religion or comedy. --an Amazon reviewer
Orfeu
(DVD)
directed by Carlos Diegues;
with soundtrack by Caetano Veloso
(1999)
Carlos Diegues's Orfeu brings the
Orpheus myth (by way of the Vinicius De Moraes play, which also inspired Marcel
Camus's gorgeous Black Orpheus) into the modern world of laptops and
hip-hop, cell phones and street crime. Orfeu (Toni Garrido), Rio de Janeiro's
samba king and a kind of god to his neighbors in the labyrinth of slums on
Carioca Hill, is humbled by his love for Euridice (Patricia França), a sweet and
stunningly beautiful girl from the provinces. Shot on location at Rio's fiery
Carnaval celebrations and on a dynamic recreation of Carioca Hill's slums,
Diegues's dazzling mix of musical extravaganza, romantic tragedy, and gangland
crime drama drops the myth into the poverty and violence of slum life. The drama
gets stifled in silly romantic entanglements, but Brazilian pop star Garrido and
lovely França have charisma to burn, and the stunning canvas of exploding color
is never less than enthralling. --Sean Axmaker
Tieta
Do Agreste (DVD)
Tieta
Do Agreste (VHS)
Director: Carlos Diegues
Starring: Sonia Braga
(1995)
Directed by Carlos Diegues, and set in the most beautiful
locale, the story and the characters will definately have you smiling
throughout. But it is Sonia Braga who carries this film on her lovely shoulders
to make it the engaging delight that it is. She turns in an electrifying
portrayal of Tieta and her screen presence is mesmerizing. The film is in
Portuguese with English subititles. The DVD presents a very nice letterboxed
picture and has very good sound in stereo. There is a short featurette on the
making of "Tieta" and some filmographies. A nice film to add to your foreign
film collection, one that will certainly have repeated viewings. Four stars for
this fine Brazilian entry,one of which shines brightly for Sonia Braga!
Quilombo (DVD)
Quilombo (VHS)
Director: Carlos Diegues
(1984)
Based on true events, I thought this film was
unforgetable. It depicts a charismatic Black leader in 17th century Brazil who
persuades the slaves to revolt and move to the uplands to build villages free
from contact with the white Portuguese. Another central theme is the contrast
between the empty faith of (some of) the missionaries versus the vibrant
religion of the tribal peoples. Of course, the idea of resistance to tyranny is
depicted in many films; but those things which make "Quilombo" different are the
spectacular costumes, paints, music, and dance. The photography of Brazilian
landscapes is similarly splendid. Few films are such a treat for the senses. I
am delighted that the VHS version was finally converted to a DVD.
Bye Bye Brazil
(VHS)
directed by Carlos Diegues;
with Betty Faria and Jose Wilker
(1979)
(available used)
Xica Da Silva
(VHS)
Director: Carlos Diegues
(1976)