3%

As I'm scrolling around through Netflix trying to find something to watch I come across 3%. I think to myself 'Hm, that's an interesting title' and without hesitation I clicked on the link.

I really had no expectations and didn't even bother reading the plot. Immediately the cinematography caught my attention. The show had a unique style with the camera angles, lighting and theme.

I particularly like movies/shows with actors I don't recognize because I feel the character is more real for me. I liked how every character was different and each had their own story. The script was well written and I focused a lot on that because it is subtitles for this show (unless you know what they are saying, cause I sure as hell didn't).

There were a couple things here and there that I didn't like. For example, The acting can be a little dull at times. I didn't like the romance between two characters because it was hard to believe they were really in love. The show wasn't perfection and the overall look might not be for everyone. The story is what really kept me into the show and I was hyped up for the last episode. The ending was amazing and I hope the story continues on for a second season.

There's plenty to recommend this low-budget, futuristic Portuguese- Brazilian 8-episode SciFi teleseries. It has a gripping plot, the characters have plenty of magnetism and the situation of poverty versus privilege will ring true with many.

It's about a futuristic, real-life competition designed to choose the optimum 3% of new adults, who deem their skills sufficient to "pass" a truly grueling selection process. Successful candidates are rewarded with a life in a man-made paradise "Offshore", whereas the rest are doomed to continue living "Inland" - a huge poverty-stricken, environmentally degraded favela. There's plenty of sub-plot, social current and Machiavellian wickedness to keep viewers on the edge of their seats till the last episode. Despite the DIY feel of the close sets there are fortunately enough locations to relieve viewers of claustrophobia, that hampers many other cheap SciFi productions. I think this one (thanks to a good English dubbed version) will catch on with a wider TV audience than the normal Portuguese, homespun audience.

I don't think I ever watched another Brazilian show before so to me this was a first and I can't say I'm disappointed about the quality of 3%. It has a good interesting plot, with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. I watched the first two seasons in less than a week and never got bored. Once you're in the story you want to know what's going to happen, and that's a good sign. I wouldn't say the acting is Oscar winning performances but it's certainly not bad at all. Each character brings something to the story, and that if you like him/her or not. For a sci-fi it has interesting gadgets, but don't expect high budget special effects. It's simple, low cost but effective. I'm looking forward to the third season of this Portuguese spoken series.

3% is one of those rare shows that only gets better and better as it goes. Season 3, so far, is shaping up to be the most enthralling season yet, which, let me tell you, is absolutely saying something! The world continues to be fleshed out, and the already quite complex characters are only getting more interesting.

Do yourself a favor, watch at least to episode three before you pass judgement. You won't regret it!

What do we know about Brazil? Beautiful country. Gisele Bündchen. TV shows with less than 2,500 episodes are considered mini-series. Oh, and Embraer. And it's actually spelled Brasil.

This show delivers on all fronts. From the first minute you are thrown into an endless kaleidoscope of hotties of both genders who look GORGEOUS in their slum-rugs, obviously designed by someone with only a first name. (Did you know that Kenzo's last name is Takada?) I bet even the dirt smeared on them was imported from some exotic place. A cross between steam punk and Victoria's Secret. The looking-good box ticked BIGLY. The production design team has done an amazing job. Total success - the show looks A-mazing! The set decorations, the costumes, make-up, accessories - CHEF'S KISS!!!! Well done!

The plot is interesting enough to keep the intrigue going. Something very social and very progressive. And, eventually, very Embraer-esgue-ly high-tech. As in all Brazilian telenovellas, it is both incredibly naive, borderline primitive, and even more incredibly twisted. Artificial selection process, some rebels group, power struggle on both sides, hatred, betrayal, and love polygons of all shapes.

The plot develops nicely and gradually. Secrets are revealed in their own time, but you are not left scratching your head for too long on any mystery. Every once in a while the writers drop back to their roots, and you get a strong dose of telenovella in the form of an out-of-character tantrum or a sudden burst of guilt/shame/fear/joy/all-of-the-above. But they quickly course-correct and off we go again.

All-in-all, it looks both very familiar and surprisingly fresh. If you liked City of God and Sandpit Generals, you will like the long form Brazilian cinematography.