Estômago

I saw the movie at the ninth edition of the Rio International Film Festival. Estômago, a Gastronomic Story, wins four awards at Latin America's largest movie showcase. It's about Nonato (João Miguel), who immigrant from the northeast to the south of Brazil and becomes a talented cook. He uses his talent to get a better life and to get the attention of a a voracious and beautiful prostitute Iri (Fabiola Nascimento) The official jury gave "Estomago" a special jury prize as well as awards for best director and best actor (Joao Miguel). The Brazil-Italy co-production also took home the audience award. "Estomago" centers on a talented cook who aims to use his culinary skills to gain power and love.

A poor Brazilian guy (cliché) from the northeast(cliché) comes to southeast (cliché) to get something and be someone(cliché). He is so silly that does dumb things and get in trouble (cliché). Its a great movie (wow, not a cliché).

I'm not complaining. The movie is really really fun. Its well written and you get into the story and the main character. I've just forgot about all the clichés and watched until I discovered why he was arrest (as you know in the first second of the movie).

The only thumb down is about the others characters. Seems like they've put all the efforts on the main and forgot about make them look real or possible.

I saw this movie on the international film festival of Rotterdam, where it was rated 2nd on the audience price. Beautiful small and funny film, which you must see with a full stomach. A Brazilian / Italian co - production made with eye for detail, intelligent humor and some very funny twists, which seem to be very logical at the end of the movie. Two hours of entertainment, acted very well by all actors and a movie which will definitely find his way in all the festivals to become a major hit worldwide. I don't want to get into the story, it's one of those films who helps you to escape from the real world for a small two hours and from which you always thinks, why do i not see more movies like this? I really recommend this movie to an large audience. So go see this one, in a theater near by you or after dinner with your partner or some best friends.

There are few movies out there that I will take the time to watch a second time, and even fewer movies that make me sincerely chuckle at some scenes. Estomago was one of those movies for me. It's not well known outside the borders of Brazil, but if you're looking for some good Brazilian dark comedies, this one is one of the better ones alongside O Cheiro do Ralo. I won't go into the details of the plot, but suffice it to say, it's a fun watch for those who like revenge fantasies and messed-up characters from the fringes of society who diabolically plot revenge in clever ways. Repeat after me: "Nonato CANIVETE!" One of my favourites of many good bits in this fun-to-watch film.

One of the best movies about food ever made (together with Babette's feast), and also an amazing prision film, Estômago (Stomach) has awesome actors and direction, competebt cinematography, and an absolutely perfect script. Everything works, fits, attracts, entertains, captivates. Characters are solid and unique, situations are remarkable but credible. You may laugh some times, be surprised in other moments, but you never get bored. A true masterwork of Brazilian contemporary cinema.