Rio fun

Rating: Null/10 (13 February 2003)

The movie was pretty close to mainstream fare if not for the foreign language, sort of Pulp Fiction (elliptical structure) meets Goodfellas (gang life story). Lots of interesting and flashy visual stylings that work well within the context of the story. The movie breezes along, despite the many subplots and characters.
The cast of non professional did an amazing job. I agree with my friend Shel in being amazed with the acting of these kids, especially the children.
Plus the portrait of Brazil, or Rio de Janeiro specificly, is fascinating. This is my first Brazilian movie and seeing this completely new culture is very refreshing - the slums, the jungle, the beach, the different social groups, the gang factions, the dark and light skins Brazilians, the parties. There is a lot to look at.