Abril Despedaçado
2001 / 105m - Brazil
Drama
3.0*/5.0*
Behind the Sun poster

Plot: A feud between two families has been spiralling for generations. A piece of land has caused many deaths, and misplaced pride and honor are keeping the feud alive. Two young boys want to break that tradition, especially when they meet a young and alluring girl who travels with a circus.

Watches

June 30, 2024

3.0*/5.0*

A pleasant Walter Salles. I was familiar with the title, not so much with the plot or setting. The premise is interesting and the performances solid, but it's Salles' somewhat delicate direction that makes the biggest difference. He takes his time to slow the narrative down to insert some moodier moments, which became the standout scenes.

There's ample room for sentimentality, and Salles' direction isn't especially subtle, but he finds moments of sheer beauty that temper the raging emotions. The plot is interesting enough and the finale is fitting, the runtime isn't overbearing. A solid film, one that deserves a bit more praise.