Somos Tão Jovens

"Somos Tão Jovens" is a new Brazilian movie based on the true story of Renato Russo, a Brazilian singer, songwriter and composer who was considered a poet of its generation. In the movie we see the early years of Renato, from 1976 to the upcoming release of Renato's first album along with his band, Legiao Urbana (circa 1984). This band was a huge success in Brazil and a powerful influence among young people throughout the mid 80's through 1996, year of Renato's death and of the resulting end of Legiao Urbana. What the movie shows us is that Renato was, since an early age, someone who looked forward to be an artist. He pursued not only a career, but also a way of express his ideas through the music. Renato was against the Brazilian dictatorship and in opposition to the system itself. Renato's first band was named "Aborto Eletrico" and since its formation in the late 70's the lyrics manifested his ideas in a witty way. No wonder many of Legiao Urbana early successes came from the Aborto Eletrico phase, which is demonstrated all along the movie. Thiago Mendonça plays Renato Russo by perfection: his gestures, voice and physical features are stunningly real. The other performances of the ensemble are also compelling, and so is the film. "Somos Tão Jovens" is a movie I strongly recommend to all music and movie fans worldwide; a little gem about a Brazilian who really made a difference.

Somos tão Jovens is far from being a great movie in terms of script and direction, but it pictures well a good, unknown frame of one of the most important icons of Brazilian Rock music. Renato Russo gave voice to young people at the end of a dictatorial regime and also inspired following generations with his poesy in form of music. It was great to remember the genius and register the time line of his amazing music repertoire. An evident strength of the movie is the soundtrack, which spreads well the Legiao Urbana songs throughout the whole film, making you feel in actual concerts. The movie does make a good job in terms of entertainment and I strongly recommend Legiao Urbana fans to watch it. It's a nice, nostalgic time travel.

A film that was supposed to be a cinematic biography of a great icon, was only the edge of the history of a great singer, they had plenty of time to make a movie based on the story of Renato Russo and when they decide to make something without much love . Have a good characterization of scenery and actors were perfect as their respective characters, including references to share Plebe Rude, Capital Inicial and Hebert Vianna. I also enjoyed the picture of the movie that refers to something even 70s, a filter medium yellowish like we're seeing a reminder that the video was a part of the life of Renato Russo.

I Do not say the film is bad, quite the contrary ... It is very good to know how come the inspirations for his songs and some developing him as a person and singer. I really liked it, but the film did not need to be loaded as well. But apart from that, I'm thrilled with the final minutes! ____ I just read an interview with the director of the film and he intends to make a "part 2" movie, showing Renato Russo and Legião Urbana. Now it's possible to accept the fact that the little Legião in this movie.

I really enjoyed this movie for what it was...a great introduction to some great Brazilian 80's music.

I've been learning Portuguese for two years now and still had to use a lot of the subtitles...I'd never heard of Renato or Legiao Urbana before...and I understand that for "die hard" fans the movie was perhaps a little simple...but for me, and millions like me, I think the movie did exactly what it set out to, gave me a great intro and ignited my curiosity to look deeper.

I would totally recommend it to anyone learning the language for a number of reasons:

1. It's a straight bio-pic...so fairly easy to follow the plot and work out what's going on without too much "deep" dialogue.

2. Renato's songs are beautifully written and easy to listen to and hear all the words...they're good songs (obviously a little dated now) and they use Portuguese brilliantly...I have learned so much from trying to translate the lyrics...it's even inspired me to pick up my ukulele and for the first time in my life attempt to sing in Portuguese...could you ask any more from a film???

I understand that for real fans, it may be a little light, but for new fans, it's perfect....by the time the 2nd part comes out, I'll be an old fan!

The acting is also very good...and the main actor is brill and also looks just like Renato...so much so that when I googled Legiao I had to do a double take!