Estômago

I saw the movie at the ninth edition of the Rio International Film Festival. Estômago, a Gastronomic Story, wins four awards at Latin America's largest movie showcase. It's about Nonato (João Miguel), who immigrant from the northeast to the south of Brazil and becomes a talented cook. He uses his talent to get a better life and to get the attention of a a voracious and beautiful prostitute Iri (Fabiola Nascimento) The official jury gave "Estomago" a special jury prize as well as awards for best director and best actor (Joao Miguel). The Brazil-Italy co-production also took home the audience award. "Estomago" centers on a talented cook who aims to use his culinary skills to gain power and love.

This movie could've easily flown under my radar if not for Adam from YMS' recommendation, so big shoutout to him.

I was pleasently surprised by this movie, it had a lot of things that kept me interested. For one, the performances were very good, everyone seemed invested in their characters and the language barrier wasn't a huge deal to me. The sequence of events felt either believable or fitting given the movie's tone. It was quite funny, I laughed quite a few times and they were all intentional laughs. Even if some would find the female lead actor's role morally questionable, the movie still felt aware of its ridiculous premise.

There were two things that stood out to me: Firstly, out of all the performances, João Miguel's was terrific and also ambitious, with the tone being both comedic and serious, the role needed someone with enough range to pull it off, and I'm glad that he managed to do exactly that. His performance was so colorful, so nuanced, and he truly immersed himself into the character.

Secondly, Giovanni Venosta's score was well composed and it fit the film perfectly. It was also used exactly when it needed to be, and it always conveyed the tone which the movie's going for and it never felt agressive.

Visually, this movie was perfectly fine. There were some points where the shots felt motivated but lacked in execution, but nothing stood out as being poorly shot. And it's cool that compared to the other elements of the film, there wasn't such a dip in quality. Also, the ending/resolution of this film is one of the most hilarious yet messed up scenes that could've happened in this movie. I can't stop laughing at it, it was so awesome.

Anyway, good movie. Highly recommended.

There are few movies out there that I will take the time to watch a second time, and even fewer movies that make me sincerely chuckle at some scenes. Estomago was one of those movies for me. It's not well known outside the borders of Brazil, but if you're looking for some good Brazilian dark comedies, this one is one of the better ones alongside O Cheiro do Ralo. I won't go into the details of the plot, but suffice it to say, it's a fun watch for those who like revenge fantasies and messed-up characters from the fringes of society who diabolically plot revenge in clever ways. Repeat after me: "Nonato CANIVETE!" One of my favourites of many good bits in this fun-to-watch film.

overall, I liked this film. the parallel scenes boost the suspense , and especially the scenes in jail -the cell-,and mostly Raimundo's inmates,-their facial characteristics- were much superb. On top of this, the gentle music that kicked in with the sight of food was quite amusing and caused laughter.Like many other Latin American movies,much attention was given to the narrow pathways which surround the area.The ending was quite expected,but the way the ending happened, was the contrary, where,admittedly,I was left with a bitter sweet taste. BUT the one and only who made the movie , is Joao Miguel. the staggering expressions, the alterations of his feelings, the movement of his body, everything, made his performance superior. 7/10

I enjoyed very much this film. It seems to be a simple story about a man -Raimundo, who comes to the big city and earns his living doing the only thing he knows: cooking. His talent leads him to know the owner of an Italian restaurant, and a prostitute. I like very much the way the film shows the relationship between them: seduction, obedience and competition. the story is easy to follow, amusing and sometimes funny. Anyway, I don't think this is all. Estomago (stomach) provides an interesting and sharp looking to our society: Both in business and in prison, there are rules to follow; power relationships according to abilities, strength, or money. Everyone is a victim in some way, but it is also guilty.