Pôr do Sol

'Por do Sol' is a comedy series that tries to mimic a traditional Portuguese soap opera. It takes all of of the usual soap opera cliches (the family struggles in a rural homestead, the illegitimate children, the convulted love triangles, the overly dramatic dialogs, the evil revenge-seeking siblings, the slaps, lots of slapping...) and doubles down on them to ridiculous levels, adding lots of nonsense in between.

What truly makes it endearing is the amount of running gags based on Portuguese pop culture - this is not a show you can watch just with English subtitles withouth being familiar with Portuguese culture, otherwise you will miss most of the references. The humour density is often pretty high even though each episode can be hit or miss.

While some jokes do get a bit repetitive, and some characters become pretty adimensional overtime, Season 2 does breathe new life on most subplots, adding new angles and surprising twists to some initially bland characters.

The irony of it all is that funny enough, it actually becomes interesting to watch the story unfold, and while you may have started watching it for the silly jokes and the soap opera satire, you will probably stay for the endearing characters and the bizzarre plot.

A must watch for Portuguese television.

A marvelous telenovela created from the absurd and non sense that makes it so amazingly. Storyline, cast and director are superb. I can imagine the bloopers!

Extremely lazy writing, this seems no more than a basic 80's soap opera with some present day references thrown here and there.

So much exposition it is boring.

Characters have only one dimension.

I am just waiting for the clone or someone to say "I am not your brother, I am you father. I wasn't killed in that plane crash".

This seems to be written with absolutely zero pear discussion, any type of revision or even screening tests. It is what I would write for a school play production.

The same actors in the same roles as always and stereotype after stereotype after stereotype... Worst of all? I paid for this with my taxes!

A brilliant production with great actors. A true satire to traditional soap operas, making fun of all the usual cliches used. Several references to Portuguese cultural and social environment and characters. Funny, stupid (in a good way) and compulsive to watch.

As a Portuguese viewer, Pôr do Sol is nothing short of a revelation. This show is a love letter to Portuguese culture, humor, and storytelling, and it stands as one of the finest achievements in national television and cinematography. From its clever writing to its stellar performances, Por do Sol is a masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise it receives.

Set in the picturesque Algarve region, the series follows the quirky and chaotic life of Raquel, a woman who inherits her family's winery and finds herself entangled in a web of family drama, romance, and crime. The show's humor is sharp, witty, and distinctly Portuguese, filled with cultural references and wordplay that will have you laughing out loud. Yet, it also knows when to dial back the comedy and deliver heartfelt, even poignant moments that resonate deeply.

Victoria Guerra's portrayal of Raquel is nothing short of brilliant. She brings a perfect blend of charm, vulnerability, and comedic timing to the role, making Raquel a character you can't help but root for. The supporting cast is equally fantastic, with each character adding their own unique flavor to the story. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making the family dynamics feel authentic and relatable.

What truly sets Pôr do Sol apart is its ability to celebrate Portuguese culture without ever feeling forced or stereotypical. The show's setting, music, and dialogue are steeped in Portuguese identity, making it a source of pride for anyone who calls Portugal home. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Algarve in a way that makes you fall in love with the landscape all over again.

As a Portuguese viewer, this show felt like a gift. It's rare to see something on national television that is so bold, so original, and so unapologetically Portuguese. Pôr do Sol is a triumph in every sense of the word, and it's a testament to the talent and creativity of Portuguese filmmakers and actors.

For me, Pôr do Sol is a perfect 10/10. It's not just a show-it's an experience, a celebration of who we are as a people, and a reminder of the power of great storytelling. If you're Portuguese, this is a must-watch. And if you're not, this is your chance to fall in love with Portugal. Bravo!