Pôr do Sol

As I mentioned in previous reviews of Portuguese content I've made, these days we keep getting better and prove that we have no lack of ideas and originality and investing on our culture is what's missing the most!

This particular TV show doesn't require that much of a budget so it's even better because it can be good based exclusively on its premise: nothing less than a satire for Portuguese soap operas (one of the most consumed media in our country, sadly...).

The idea is simple yet no one ever thought of doing it before, usually soap opera's have very little content, they are generic romance stories, filled with boring sub plots that go on and on for years! Yet still to this day it continues to be what a lot of Portuguese audiences still watch on television (mostly the older generations).

"Pôr do Sol" grabs all the clichés and generic writing of the genre and twists it through the satire lenses and as expected it is as ridiculous as it is funny.

There are also a lot of ironies one of the most interesting ones being the fact that most of the cast is actually made by Portuguese actors that do a lot of soap operas themselves (it's not like they have much choice if they want to continue to act in Portugal).

It's a fun show, great idea and concept, original for sure yet I felt it went on for too long (yet another irony), the jokes wore down quite fast and they kept the same formula so at some point it becomes a little repetitive.

Not sure why they are planning season 2, either they have an idea to shift it up or I predict it will become the very thing it mocks!

EDIT (SEASON 2): As suspected not much changes in season 2, we have the same formula as the first season adding some more ridiculous situations and deepening the sub plots while introducing new characters.

In similar fashion to the former season, it starts all right, with some funny scenes and ridiculous jokes that you can't avoid but laughing, specially given the references to Portuguese pop culture.

However again, it starts to wear out fairly fast, it goes from being satirically funny to just boring, 20 episodes each with 30 minutes is a lot for the type of TV show it is. I get it, it is potentially part of the goal to over extend it, same as soap operas do, but I don't think this particular aspect works, feels forced and seems they ran out of ideas.

I am glad they are not making more seasons, as mentioned I found it a great concept specially considering Portugal's media context, I hope we continue to be original in our productions moving forward and that this idea was the first of many.

A brilliant production with great actors. A true satire to traditional soap operas, making fun of all the usual cliches used. Several references to Portuguese cultural and social environment and characters. Funny, stupid (in a good way) and compulsive to watch.

Extremely lazy writing, this seems no more than a basic 80's soap opera with some present day references thrown here and there.

So much exposition it is boring.

Characters have only one dimension.

I am just waiting for the clone or someone to say "I am not your brother, I am you father. I wasn't killed in that plane crash".

This seems to be written with absolutely zero pear discussion, any type of revision or even screening tests. It is what I would write for a school play production.

The same actors in the same roles as always and stereotype after stereotype after stereotype... Worst of all? I paid for this with my taxes!

The script is superb, mocking regular soap operas and all it's clichés - and when I say all, I really mean it.

All the cast members are mainly actors of those "classic" soap operas, which makes scenes even funnier, and manages to showcase they're acting skylls.

Many references could be lost in translation as they're based on social and portuguese entertainment, but if you liked movies like "Airplane" and "The Naked Gun" mashed up with Monty Python type of comedy, you'll get the overall picture.

Shout out to Rui Melo (actor and writer) and Gabriela Barros (hilarious!!!), Henrique Dias Cardoso (idea/Writer) and all cast and crew (even the score is awesome).

Last but not least, let's not forget the featured band, Jesus Quisto, their music reportoire and all vocal members, the riskier job ever (lol)!

Well done!

As a Portuguese viewer, Pôr do Sol is nothing short of a revelation. This show is a love letter to Portuguese culture, humor, and storytelling, and it stands as one of the finest achievements in national television and cinematography. From its clever writing to its stellar performances, Por do Sol is a masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise it receives.

Set in the picturesque Algarve region, the series follows the quirky and chaotic life of Raquel, a woman who inherits her family's winery and finds herself entangled in a web of family drama, romance, and crime. The show's humor is sharp, witty, and distinctly Portuguese, filled with cultural references and wordplay that will have you laughing out loud. Yet, it also knows when to dial back the comedy and deliver heartfelt, even poignant moments that resonate deeply.

Victoria Guerra's portrayal of Raquel is nothing short of brilliant. She brings a perfect blend of charm, vulnerability, and comedic timing to the role, making Raquel a character you can't help but root for. The supporting cast is equally fantastic, with each character adding their own unique flavor to the story. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, making the family dynamics feel authentic and relatable.

What truly sets Pôr do Sol apart is its ability to celebrate Portuguese culture without ever feeling forced or stereotypical. The show's setting, music, and dialogue are steeped in Portuguese identity, making it a source of pride for anyone who calls Portugal home. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Algarve in a way that makes you fall in love with the landscape all over again.

As a Portuguese viewer, this show felt like a gift. It's rare to see something on national television that is so bold, so original, and so unapologetically Portuguese. Pôr do Sol is a triumph in every sense of the word, and it's a testament to the talent and creativity of Portuguese filmmakers and actors.

For me, Pôr do Sol is a perfect 10/10. It's not just a show-it's an experience, a celebration of who we are as a people, and a reminder of the power of great storytelling. If you're Portuguese, this is a must-watch. And if you're not, this is your chance to fall in love with Portugal. Bravo!