Dzi Croquettes

Amazing!!!! One of the best films I've seen!!!! Beautiful and very well done! It showcases to the world the importance of this group in changing Brazilian History and a whole society...The Dzi Croquettes challenged the brutal Dictatorship that gripped Brazil in the 70's through humor… dressed as women although not behaving as such… they used Intelligence to fight the government! The director's personal attachment to the project, her father used to work in the technical staff, was endearing and touching… featuring interviews with Liza Minnelli, Gilberto Gil, Marília Pêra, Miguel Falabella, Cláudia Raia, Cesar Camargo Mariano, among many others important names in Brazilian culture...Dzi Croquettes is a Must!! Nor man nor woman, people!

For someone growing up in Brazil in the late 80s, early 90s, the Dzi Croquettes weren't much more than a story told by a few of the previous generation - "Brazil's theater group that revolutionized queer performance art in the context of the political, social and cultural climate of Brazil in the 1970s." The images available at the time were only enough to make one curious.

Now, imagine what a pleasant surprise it was, when I went to the Moma to see Dzi Croquettes, the documentary, and was provided with all those images I longed to see ever since I was a teenager.

This documentary completely changed my perception of theatre in the 70s, in Brazil. Not only I got to see so many recovered images people didn't know existed, I got to see the acting, singing, and dancing heroes of my generation talk about their heroes - The Dzi Croquettes - with much love and adoration. Even Liza Minnelli!

I had 110 minutes to satisfy my curiosity with this documentary that tells a story with as much creativity as the Dzi, in their prime, used to perform. I learned, I laughed, I cried, and left the theater wanting to fly.

It was a glitter shower!

I expected more actual performance footage, instead 90% of the film consisted of reminiscences about the group by those who had known the performers in the past which was not enough to hold the attention of an audience for nearly two hours of screen time. Being a fan of things Brazilian especially music, I was looking forward to seeing a generous sampling of both that and performances by those who effectuated the changes in the seventies. Watching a selection of friends and acquaintances of these people, mostly repeating or rephrasing what was already said, was extremely disappointing especially in view of the fact that this film was given various awards, such as best Brazilian documentary for that year. (What were the others like if THIS was the best???) The short little glimpses of performance footage only whetted my appetite and increased my frustration about this experience. Given the subject matter this was an opportunity greatly missed.

This film entertains, teaches and motivates viewers to reflect upon how society is shaped by individual experiences through art and family. Further, it shows the birth of a performing arts movement that most of us have not been aware it existed. Congratulations to all of those who were part of this Dzi cultural movement for paving the way for those who wanted to be free to perform and express their views. Also, the first hand interviews by reputable actors, who were directly influenced by their ideas, gives good historical validation of what really happened. Overall its a great film and should definitely be watched by everyone that enjoys documentaries.