Common man's film with serious message and creative entertainment : you will find it all in this film.

O Homem Que Copiava (2003) directed by Jorge Furtado

In an age where our cinematographic vision and sensibilities are blurred beyond repair by senseless, worse than junk box office nonsense like Spiderman, Harry Potter etc, it is nice to learn that a film has been made in Brazil by Jorge Furtado which talks about a common man from a realistic point of view. This point of view gives us hope enabling us to lead our daily lives in positive stride.It is not as if films about common denizens have not been made in the past. Of course they have been made by numerous directors and shall continue to be made in the future too. However, the only thing that separates "The man who copied" from other films is its willingness to depict a protagonist with a noble cause. This is precisely why this film will be remembered for many years in the near future.As "The man who copied" is a brilliant film it invariably needs to be known far and wide.It is an eclectic mix of various genres including animation cinema. Lazaro Ramos, the rising star cum actor of Brazilian cinema is our rebel with a cause. He plays the role of a poor boy who wishes to triumph in life. Seeing him face countless adversities with a smile on his face,we the viewers get a smile too. Both the female leads are excellent joy to behold. One the one hand Leandra Leal is cute with girl next door appearance. On the other hand Luana Piovani is the ethereal femme fatale ready to wreck havoc.O Homem que copiava must be watched at all costs as it is film about family values which are slowly disappearing in a lame world living on the crutches of Internet, mobile and Ipods.

Nostalgia for the past : Not at all a children's film.

Durval Discos (2002) directed by Anna Muylaert

Durval Discos directed by Anna Muylaert is a film for those viewers who let a film to progress at its own rhythm. Although it is about a young girl,it cannot be termed as a children's film although it can be shown to young children, teenagers and youngsters.It is certainly not at all meant for non serious viewers more interested in Michael Schumacher kind of start. If ordinary viewers remain patient they will be suitably rewarded as there are numerous twists and turns related to this film's plot. One more good thing about this film is that it will surely dispel the notion that most of the films made in Brazil are violent films. Those who have seen "Alice in the cities" by Wim Wenders will be quick to recognize the common similarities related to both the films.This film is little different from the German film as in it the suspense builds slowly to ultimately result in an amazing finale. Like Rudiger Vogler in Wender's film, Ary Franca too gives a memorable performance as Durval. With "Durval Discos", admirers of Vinyl or LP or 33 tours will surely get a taste of the nostalgia for the past.

Food for thought : Although outlandish but a nice film which ends too soon.

Crime Delicado (2005) directed by Beto Brant

Some films make valiant attempts at making themselves likable by showing situations not visible in our daily lives.This is not at all a bad strategy.However one must bear in mind that as a film is a visual medium there must also be elements which can attract an audience and incite critics should a motion picture were to strike a fine balance between art and commerce.Crime Delicado is one such film from Brazil which shows some grotesque circumstances which go on to demonstrate that the reality is not what or how it appears and is unjustly perceived by our naked eyes.The entire film is a nice exercise in exploring the complexities of male female relationships.The director of the film Beto Brant has also shown a contemplative spectrum of various arts like Painting,Theater etc. The core of the film concerns the unraveling of an artist's predicament who is framed on trumped-up charges.At the end of the film after watching stupendous performance by Lilian Taubib one can realize why some crimes are indeed delicate.

Meeting Gero Camilo twice. Carandiru hits hard on human brain.

Carandiru (2003) directed by Hector Babinco

I still fail to understand why "Carandiru" was ignored by inane Cannes film festival 2003 jury.Hector Babenco is a great filmmaker and I have still not seen "Pixote".This film provided me a great opportunity to comprehend his style.To my mind it is simply brilliant.When I saw this masterpiece at a cinema housing 1500 people,trust me when I say that I was not alone appreciating its greatness.There was absolute silence and the remaining 1499 people were glued to the movie screen. The best utility of this film is that it tells us that every human life is useful.It is the circumstance which forces people to lead a life of crime. From a sociological point,Carandiru is a film with purpose as it has shown how both White and Black people live in Brazil.Some of the scenes are incredible and the depiction of the prison is truly masterful.I was lucky enough to have met Gero Camilo who had a good role in this film.Even the performance by pop star Rita Cadillac is astounding.This film is a must see treat for every sensible film-goer. For those who think that Frank Darabont with "Shawshank Redemption" has mastered the art of filming prisons,watch out "Carandiru" will teach you a thing or two about the portrayal of prisons in films.It was recently shown by HBO on its south Asian networks.

Looks like a funeral procession.

Cidade de Deus (2002)

directed by Fernando Meireilles and Katia Lund

In Paris,France after having met Katia Lund in 2006,it was difficult for me to fathom that this soft spoken charming lady has made a very violent film depicting the rise of violence in Brazilian slums.She told the audience that it is quite normal for Brazilians to live with violence as they have adjusted themselves to it.This is a very serious statement which in some way reflects the honesty on the part of Brazilian filmmakers. They are showing what is happening in their society and by doing so there are being truthful.The violence of City of God is realistic and no makeup has been done to it.The three key elements of the film: melodrama,violence and music compliment each other well.This film also has a procession like quality to it.It is as if the audience is watching some sort of procession going on and willy-nilly,they also decide to be a part of the crowd.On watching this film,I had the impression of a fun activity happening before me. May be others will experience that too.

Favela experience in Belo Horizonte : This film is better than "Talk Radio".

Uma Onda No Ar (2002) directed by Helvecio Ratton

Lately considering the fact that Brazilian cinema has been too much associated with violent films,it is nice to learn that this film is a nice surprise.Even though it is based on the lives of some Favela youths,it is not at all violent.It is a true indication of the fact that people can change their lives for good if they adopt pacifist means.The role of police in troubling ordinary citizens is nicely depicted.It is hard to believe that the police forces meant to protect people are playing a game of cat and mice.Although,Uma onda no ar boasts of a serious message,it would be a understatement to say that it is not a light comic film.There are some very good radio moments which keep the viewers entertained.Something in the air is a nice film to be watched in order to have a grasp of Brazilian favela's disturbing realities.