This is a remake of a very popular soap opera broadcast in the 70's, which I was too young to see. Nevertheless, i'm sure it was superior in quality, otherwise how to explain that even four decades later some of the characters' lines and jokes are still part of our daily expressions in Brazil? This lukewarm film version alone would never render such everlasting popularity. The problem very likely comes from adapting a soap opera which lasted several months into a two-hour feature - one can't help feeling things are a bit crammed and rushed. The cast, full of famous stars from the most powerful Brazilian TV channel, is mostly efficient and tries to pull this through. Don't expect character development at all - it's meant to be full of stereotypes, such as the Latin American corrupt politician, local drunkard/beggar jokes, provincial puritan ladies, etc. There are some funny jokes and scenes, particularly those with Jose Wilker, beautiful shots of northeast Brazil and a reasonably good soundtrack, but all in all I expected more. And I found that showing some real footage of political events in Brazil didn't really match the light tone this comedy should have had.
2 Reviews
Death and politics
jotix1002 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Imagine a town without a cemetery? Well, that is what the town of Sucupira, in Brazil, has to endure. Anyone that dies in the town must be taken to a nearby village, an exhausting trek to Santana for the burial. Enter Odorico Paraguacu, a man with a vision. Odorico, taking advantage of the vacant job of mayor, decides to run for the position on a platform that will give the long suffering Sucupiran the privilege of resting in their own town after their deaths. Only problem is that in more of a year in office, no one wants to die, so the cemetery is a white elephant.
Basically, that is the premise that screen writers Guel Arraes and Claudio Paiva concocted for the film. Mr Arraes directed. The comedy mixes politics and local customs in ways that are not always as effective as the creators intended. The main problem seems to be the style of acting that demands over the top performances, when perhaps a more subtle approach would have worked better.
Marco Nanini plays Odorico with gusto, relishing the role he was asked to play. His Odorico dominates everything in the film. The excellent Jose Wilker shows up as the hired gun Odorico needs to carry out his plans. The supporting cast does good work for the director.
Basically, that is the premise that screen writers Guel Arraes and Claudio Paiva concocted for the film. Mr Arraes directed. The comedy mixes politics and local customs in ways that are not always as effective as the creators intended. The main problem seems to be the style of acting that demands over the top performances, when perhaps a more subtle approach would have worked better.
Marco Nanini plays Odorico with gusto, relishing the role he was asked to play. His Odorico dominates everything in the film. The excellent Jose Wilker shows up as the hired gun Odorico needs to carry out his plans. The supporting cast does good work for the director.
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