Review of Aquarius

Aquarius accomplishes its many goals--a picture of upper-middle class life in a large Brazilian city, a reflection on aging and the unpleasant surprises that can overtake us late in life, and a satisfying slam of the most loathsome set of real-estate developers imaginable. Sonia Braga is excellent as Clara, the old woman who is going to lose her beautiful sea-side apartment, and Humberto Carrao is outstanding as Diego, the slimy developer with his fake smile, constant lies, and vicious schemes. Yes, the movie takes its time to tell the story of Clara and her family, but no minute is wasted or boring. At the end Clara's resistance is ...well, delightfully creepy.