Páre, Escute, Olhe

Rarely can one say that a documentary brings quite a few laughs and many chuckles. This is the case of this film/documentary.

The film style is hard to define but it basically follows the daily life of a few local people and how their poor region in Portugal is far and forgotten by the capital and government. The once historic and touristic train line is gradually abandoned, then used as a local metro and is now menaced by the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam that would flood the aging rail line and leave them without any public transport. At the same time it shows the political vote that will decide the future of the dam, region and the Tua rail line.

So that seems like boring stuff ? Well they actually manage to show some really colorful characters, especially the old man who lives in the former train station of Ribeirinha. Some of the dialog is very "colorful" and some of the newscasts from the past are mixed to very humorous effect. Its a rare look at a rural and laid back part of Portugal and how progress brings some problems.

I think anyone can enjoy this film even if a few references might be lost to those that are not Portuguese or acquainted to them. Quite enjoyable for what otherwise might have been another boring protest issue... yet very well made mix of funny and informative. Well worth seeing.