Sólo Dios sabe

What I wouldn't do to give this film a re-write. Extra disappointing due to the great beginning, Solo Dios Sabe degenerates into a mess of superstitious bull after the halfway point and ends on a note so ludicrous, soppy and melodramatic I couldn't believe I was watching the same movie I started with. The film had numerous elements in its favor, such as chemistry between Diego Luna and Alice Braga so palpable I thought the screen would start sparking, a great soundtrack, and beautiful locations. Instead of ending with the heavy-handed religious mumbo jumbo, the film should have kept the focus on being a frothy road movie with maybe some undertones about fate and superstition vs. logic peppered through. I understand the director's entire intent with the film was to make it about religion, but the fact is that it just didn't work, and he threw away so much great stuff from the beginning by doing so.

I had the opportunity to see this movie at a personal screening, and I thought it was terrific. I didn't know much about the film going in, but I found myself very quickly drawn into the narrative and the characters. The film was shot very well, and used a lot of interesting perspectives and angles (along with some great natural backdrops).

I also felt special seeing this movie before it's released - when it's released you should give it a look. It's surprising and moving.

Plus I didn't realize until later where I'd seen the actress before . . . she was the young woman from City of God that the narrator had a crush on! City of God was one of my all-time favorite movies . . .

The beginning of the movie is the most interesting part and takes place in Mexico.

The ending of this movie is a cliché, a "disease of the month" type of movie. The moment the leading characters get to Brazil, they begin to get bogged down with problems, and the movie gets to be more and more of a downer.

The movie shows the outer rituals of the condomble religion, but doesn't explain the belief systems and the philosophy behind this combination of African religions and Catholicism. They should have done more research.

It shows scenes of condomble ceremonies, and of an island in Brazil where apparently everyone practices African religions.

Watching this movie is like watching 2 different movies. I recommended with reservations, as the ending is too melodramatic, like a Brazilian TV novela.

3/4stars This starts as a magical and beautiful film about love and destiny and fate and religion. Is there a divine purpose to our lives? Many questions are pondered in this loving film.

It starts out as a simple road trip film where a Brazillian student on visa to SAn Diego goes to Tijuana and loses her passport. Then embarks on a wonderful journey with a new found friend to Mexico City to retrieve another one. The first hour is pure magic. An absolute joy to watch, full of mystery, romance, laughter, and humanity. Then as the film moves it's scenery to Brazil it dives into spirituality and faith and begins to slowly meander while still staying strong, until the last quarter relies on overdramatized cliché which does not ruin the film, but does however slow it down and change the overall tone of the film.

Overall, Solo Dios Sabe is beautifully shot and edited and wonderfully acted by everyone involved, sadly as the film progresses the screenplay slowly fizzles out towards the end. Still many many positives leave this as being well worth recommending as a wonderful epic love story.

3 stars out of 4 stars

I just saw "God only knows" yesterday at the SF Int. Film Festival. While it starts off slow and feels like just another weak tale of romance, it picks up later with a strong twist and delivers a heartfelt message. A very strong independent film, with wonderful undertones and beautifully filmed. After the screening, the director Carlos was available for comments and it was clear to me that he had a strong vision for this movie and that it was definitely a piece close to his heart. The use of clocks, water, and living creatures that bind the movie together was an excellent choice. I would love to see this movie again, but that of course requires it to get better distribution.