Review of Até que a Vida nos Separe

This Brazilian comedic drama takes place in the huge metropolis of Sao Paulo, the world's second largest city.(The film offers some breathtaking cityscapes.) The plot deals with the inter-relationships within a group of upper middle-class friends, all within a couple of years of age 30. They are professional, well-educated, pretty stable, but subject to the same pressures other "yuppies" feel in metropolitan areas around the world. ATE A AMIZADE NOS SEPARAR means "'Til Friendship Comes Between Us" or "'Til Friendship Splits Us All Up", and friendship almost does split up this modern-day family. Their bond is closer to the one they have with their own families, but even this bond is put to the test repeatedly not only by urban angst, but due to the cultural/psychological diversity amongst even such a tight group, with so much common ground. A couple are sexually confused, not emotionally fulfilled, one is out and gay, a good looking black friend lives the life of the international playboy, a couple just seek "normal" love. A couple are Jewish, a couple are very rich. In short, an interesting sociological study of the diversity within Brazil's urban professionals. Fine cinematography and editing complement the terrific acting by the ensemble cast headed by Alexandre Borges and Julia Lemmertz, who add depth to the well-developed characters.