Tatuagem

Set in the late 1970's 'Tatuagem' is a story of Clécio (Irandhir Santos 'Elite Squad') who runs what is described as an anarchist theatre club where they challenge the authority of the military dictatorship by putting on avant garde shows – basically lots of nudity and having fun. Star Paulette is sleeping with Clécio until his brother in law turns up. This is 18 year old soldier Fininho – the two hit it off immediately.

Meanwhile back at the barracks all is not as it seems with Fininho being bullied for not liking the ladies. There are also the side stories of the families and the ordinary ups and downs that add to highlight how much fun the theatre is – this is called The Star Spangled Floor and they describe it as 'the Studio 54 of the Favella'! They also have a very inventive bent for making costumes – scanty – and props – check out the helmet made from a colander.

This is a very vibrant film with some good period detail and a lovely soundtrack with some notable performances too. It is not a mammoth sex fest but it does have some well realised bedroom scenes. It is also a film that will put a smile on your face and considering some of the subject matter here that is quite an achievement. This is one I rented but now intend to buy as its one I know I will get more out of on subsequent viewings.

Usually I am much inclined to diss gay-themed movies, since many of those have become quite redundant. But this one is not just quite realistic, it also manages to embed a gay love story in a period setting without feeling forced, mainly because the director succeeds in balancing the various plot elements.

The rancor of the other reviewer here would seem to stem from disappointed expectations - and yes, if you're expecting a raunchy boy-meets-man tale, you're likely to wonder what all those social comments and politics have to do with it. If you're interested in a Brazilian period piece, your expectations are more likely to be met - though I personally thought the sex scenes to be among the most erotic of late, mainly because the guys don't look like swimwear models.

What I really liked about 'Tatuagem' is that it's distinctly Brazilian. The characters are a mess, but continuously look for some kind of stability, which seems to elude them whenever they believe they have found it - be it the soldier who has to choose between his sexuality and the lifestyle that comes with it, or his job with an income that may enable him to support his family, be it the flamboyant, yet firm dramatic anarchist who tries to keep his troupe together, but constantly runs into risks of being abused by them. That's very familiar to anyone who has stayed in the country a bit, but agreed - it's not very sympathetic if you like your film characters to behave better than real people.

What 'Tatuagem' lacks is coherence. At times I was wondering: 'Woops, how did we get here all of a sudden?' You're more than once expected to fill the gaps between what happens on your own. I didn't have that much trouble with that, because I felt that it enhanced the atmosphere of creative mess the film described.

In short: this isn't your average boy-meets-boy kitsch, even though it dwells on kitschy trash at times, and it's also no sophisticated art-house flick. It's a decent, mostly realistic gay love story in a period setting with a strong Brazilian flavor.

The is a solid 7 Pros 1. The relationship flowering 2. The sex 3. Acting Jesuíta Barbosa is simply great and I think this was his debut film

Cons.

1. Too long should have been shorter 2. Cinematography 3. Side stories which didn't add to the plot.

This is one of the worst films that i have ever watched. The length and pretentiousness of the many, many 'performance art' scenes are tortuous. They are also largely pointless since the spend a good deal of the film verbally making their objections know to censorship and the potential closure of their venue. Then they spend more time making costumes and songs. (Not spoilers as this info is in the film synopsis on most sites) Please make it end!!

Oh, and just incase anyone may be thinking that my understanding is not sophisticated enough to understand the nuances of the film. Firstly, i have studied Film Studies and Critical Analysis. Secondly, there aren't any nuances.

I can only imagined people rated highly for the almost constant stream of nudity. Yes, you can get bored of seeing full frontal nudity, even if some of the people are relatively attractive

Saw this at the BFI FLARE Let's just say I don't think I was the only one who didn't like it , no round of applause and people couldn't wait to leave as the credits rolled.

This film didn't know what it wanted to be, it's OK having a film that goes in lots of directions but you need a main hub for it to all gel and this didn't

The character of Paulete, I just hated, so ugly and thought it was a beauty, I didn't feel for him or any character in the film

Stay at home and watch the Wizard of OZ

Don't waste your money on this , your better off at a Berni !