Category Archives: Brazil

Using failures as stepping stones: “Nome Próprio” [2007 Brazil]

Murilo Salles co-opted author Clara Averbuck’s alter ego Camila from her groundbreaking novel (Máquina de Pinball) for his drama “Nome Próprio” [Eng. Title: Camila Jam]. Set in São Paulo, the film begins with Camila (Leandra Leal) being kicked out of … Continue reading

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A nod to the French New Wave: “A Bruta Flor do Querer” [2013 Brazil]

Dida Andrade and Andradina Azevedo script, direct, and star in their independent debut feature, “A Bruta Flor do Querer” [Eng. Title: The Savage Flower of Desire, aka Deep Blue Dream] about life and prospects for youth in a competitive and … Continue reading

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Survival instinct: “Bufo & Spallanzani” [2001, Brazil]

Wishing you all a happy 2017!   Flávio Tambellini’s thriller “Bufo & Spallanzani” is a dramatisation of popular Brazilian novelist Rubem Fonseca’s novel by the same. The title alludes to tortuous experiments conducted by an Italian scientist – Spallanzani, to … Continue reading

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A film review: “My Hindu Friend” [2015 Brazil]

After a gap of nearly eight years, Hector Babenco makes a full-length feature with a personal film “My Hindu Friend” [Bra. Title: Meu Amigo Hindu]. Confessing that this was something that he always wanted to make but never got around to, Babenco’s film … Continue reading

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A gentle summer breeze: “Ventos de Agosto” [2014 Brazil]

Gabriel Mascaro makes a refreshing feature film début with the quirky slow-burning drama “Ventos de Agosto” [Eng. Title: August Winds]. Yes, it’s a drama only in the broadest sense of the word, but that shouldn’t distract from the high traditions … Continue reading

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