Bossa Nova et vice versa

"Bossa Nova" is a fun and light hearted film about the romantic involvements of an ensemble of diverse but interconnected characters including one relationship hatched over the Internet. This charming little film features plenty of samabas, postcard panoramas of the Copacabana, and a 90 minute story which moves along quickly and will leave a smile on your face.

Most Brazilians complain that Brazilian movies only show the poverty and the arid landscapes of Northeast Brazil. I particularly think that we shouldn't conceal the sad reality of so many places in Brazil, and films like "Central Station" and "City of God" are brilliant in their own right. But we can't deny that there should be more Brazilian movies out there showing all the beauty from this country, and "Bossa Nova" is one of those rare movies.

Director Bruno Barreto ("Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands") doesn't try to start a socio-political speech here. He cast his own wife Amy Irving as a charming American lady who teaches English in Rio, and falls in love with one of her students, a lawyer played by mature leading man Antonio Fagundes. Barreto's intention was to make a romantic comedy in Rio de Janeiro, dedicated to/inspired by Tom Jobim and François Truffaut. Not an art-house flick, not an Oscar movie. Just an enjoyable love story with great music and beautiful landscapes. And he succeeded. Far from being a masterpiece, "Bossa Nova" is a lovely film that should be seen by anyone who'd like to spend some pleasant 95 minutes, watching a not so popular (at least, not as it should be) side of this unique country. 7.5/10.

"Bossa Nova" has lots of great shots of Rio de Janerio, and lots of pretty actors, and a soundtrack that combines old and new bossa nova tunes. Unfortunately that's about all it has going for it.

The film is about the romance between an American woman who teaches English to the wealthy and her corporate lawyer student who bears a striking resemblance to Marcello Mastroianni. Both of them are supposed to be in their early to mid-forties.

The age aspect is one problem I have with this film. I'm not against middle-age romance on film, but it's just so obvious that Antonio Fagundes is closer to fifty.

Another problem I have is with Amy Irving's acting skills. At times, it's obvious she's reading straight off a cue card. Good actors never let us see them working.

But the biggest complaint I have about this film is the plot, or rather the lack thereof. The film is filled with lots of confusing little subplots, some of which never resolve themselves. This, I guess, is to distract the audience from the fact that the main plot is so threadbare.

Many American critics have praised this film. This is largely, I believe, because it is not an American film and was not bankrolled by a major Hollywood studio. However, I always use the same barometer to judge a film, regardless of its origin or pedigree. I give this film the same criticism I would give to a film such as "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" or "The Horse Whisperer": It's beautiful to look at, but once you get past the scenery and the actors' looks, there's not much left. I give this film a 6 out of 10.

OK, so the Rio de Janeiro "Bossa Nova" shows us is not the real Rio. So the movie has no poor, no hunger, no favelas, no political unrest. Is there a law written somewhere that says films have an obligation to show all of that? No. The people who made "Bossa Nova" very self-consciously steered away from the grit to concentrate on the romantic state of mind of the characters, surrounding them with gorgeous locales and a dazzling soundtrack filled with Brazilian classics, which is exactly right for the story. Amy Irving is absolutely enchanting as the protagonist, showing the kind of irresistible innocent charm she exercised in "Crossing Delancey" and "Yentl". Granted, the film gets a bit silly at times, but if you're willing to suspend your disbelief and go with the flow, buy the coincidences and accept the magic, the final result is a decidedly seductive romantic comedy, the kind they rarely make anymore. I'm a guy and I loved this movie, and I'll bet money there isn't a woman out there who won't like it at least as much as I did. Personally, I saw this on a studio-released tape before it opened in theaters and will pay to see it again on the big screen to take in the gorgeous widescreen cinematography and the fabulous music as they were meant to be experienced.

Let's be honest. Bossa Nova is not a heavy weight film. Nor does it pretend to be. That's its core charm. A bit frothy, yes, but leaves a sweet aftertaste that happily lingers for days.

I hadn't seen Amy Irving (Mary Ann) in quite a while and was glad to see her in this film. Her timid interplay with Faguendes (Pedro Paul) was sweet and touching. I enjoyed watching their love story unfold. Faguendes is obviously a well-known, beloved actor in his home country. It's the first time I've seen his work and I can see why he's so popular.

But there's plenty more to take note of. Watching Faguendes' family ties nearly unravel is almost heartbreaking at times. To see three generations is almost unheard of in today's movies. I was pleased to see it.

The other subplots are equally fun. The soon-to-be exported Brazilian soccer player's quest to learn how to curse in English is hilarious. And watching the girl dream of her online "boyfriend" is something many of us can relate to. Not to mention the soulful longing of the young man (Pedro Paul's son)who wants her but isn't brave enough to state his case.

All this plays out against an almost idyllic backdrop of sand dunes, towering mountains, charming cafes and crashing surf. Sure, it may not be the entire face of Rio but would you want to see the sewers in New York City? I doubt it. I've never been to Rio but this movie had me dreamily considering it.

Jobim's music, by the way, is the perfect choice. Like sunlight on water...