I've seen this film a few minutes ago and i'm still carrying that feeling of satisfaction and identification with the characters you usually get with movies that touch you someway. And, if the film wasn't particularly intelligent, one thing touched me the most: its array of technical achievements. I already knew it was the most expensive movie of Portuguese history. I already knew they had cranes, dollys, steadycams and all sorts of sound and image devices. I also knew they payed 5000 escudos (something like 25 dollars) to each extra, for each day of filming, since I was on the set, shouting alongside the others. But my fear was that the director who had a movie debut of 5 million dollars wasn't up to the challenge, spending most of her money learning and using basic shots. But it was surprising to see that Maria de Medeiros used her resources with taste, and professionalism. As for the story, I think it's somewhat simplified, but, given the budget, I think it's still incredible to see what they accomplished. As a future director, I hope and pray that Portuguese cinema continues to evolve this way, inventing, surprising, earning profit, and (most importantly) audience. Two thumbs up, I loved it. Bravo!
Review of April Captains
