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"Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco" deals with what is perhaps the greatest of all Brazilian themes: poverty. And along with poverty the other unnatural feelings and actions it brings; prostitution, violence, crime, rape and murder.

Brazil is the country of paradoxes, and its social problems are present everywhere. The difference between the rich and the poor; the beautiful and the ugly; happiness and the most profound human decay.

"Pixote" is one of the films that dare to touch and open these so painful wounds, and does it without the slightest glimmer of hope, in an honest portrayal of a country that, like Pixote himself, is already lost.

"Ganga Zumba" is, to this very day, one of the greatest films ever made about slavery and the formation of African-based cultures on the Americas. Its brutally honest and poetic style are drenched in respect and admiration for the African people, in a nostalgic, hopeful way.

It's unfortunate that director Carlos Diegues went on to produce increasingly worse films with each new of his outings, for this one has stood the test of time like a fine black diamond.

Along with "Black God, White Devil" and "Barren Lives" this is a Brazilian Classic from the now legendary art movement "Cinema Novo", yet for some unknown reason this film is seldom talked about or remembered. A fact that does not diminish its astounding quality, easily on-par with the titles mentioned above.

9/10

"Angela" is regarded by Brazilian film critics one of the gems the now legendary Brazilian studio Vera Cruz produced in the 1950's.

The film was an attempt to create a luscious, enchanting and visually stunning romance story about the classic love themes of loss and redemption.

While this style of Cinema, free from the social issues that usually permeate South American films, was deemed unworthy by many, today most critics rightfully agree that it represented a now-lost period in the country's history; of great innocence and hope, times when things were simpler and lives safer.

Despite having an ordinary story, the film's visuals continue to impress, specially the nearly-perfect cinematography, well above average even by today's standards.

Ultimately, "Angela" is a very entertaining film, with captivating performances and beautiful scenery. A naive classic of a Brazil that may or may not have existed only in dreams.