Tatuagem

The Recife (Brazil) movies, once again presents me with a great movie (I hope for you too).

The delicate romance between a military (Jesuita Barbosa) and a stage actor (Irandhir Santos ) and freedom versus censorship dominate the screen. Everything happens in the 70's and the story unfolds in a very natural way.

All the characters are interesting , since a military who must deal with the first dance with another man, his girlfriend and the pressure inside the barrack to the son of stage actor who suffers bullying for being "single mother son and father queer".

The acting is great and the performance of Jesuita Barbosa is spectacular ! The film was written and directed by Hilton Lacerda (Amarelo Manga, Febre do Rato), which opens well in fiction direction.

Set in the late 1970's 'Tatuagem' is a story of Clécio (Irandhir Santos 'Elite Squad') who runs what is described as an anarchist theatre club where they challenge the authority of the military dictatorship by putting on avant garde shows – basically lots of nudity and having fun. Star Paulette is sleeping with Clécio until his brother in law turns up. This is 18 year old soldier Fininho – the two hit it off immediately.

Meanwhile back at the barracks all is not as it seems with Fininho being bullied for not liking the ladies. There are also the side stories of the families and the ordinary ups and downs that add to highlight how much fun the theatre is – this is called The Star Spangled Floor and they describe it as 'the Studio 54 of the Favella'! They also have a very inventive bent for making costumes – scanty – and props – check out the helmet made from a colander.

This is a very vibrant film with some good period detail and a lovely soundtrack with some notable performances too. It is not a mammoth sex fest but it does have some well realised bedroom scenes. It is also a film that will put a smile on your face and considering some of the subject matter here that is quite an achievement. This is one I rented but now intend to buy as its one I know I will get more out of on subsequent viewings.

Brazil, 1978. The military dictatorship, still active, shows signs of exhaustion. In a theater/cabaret, located on the outskirts between two cities in the Northeast of Brazil, a group of artists provoke power and established morality with their shows and public interference. Led by Clécio Wanderley, the troupe known as Chão de Estrelas, together with intellectuals and artists, in addition to its traditional audience of homosexuals, rehearse political resistance through debauchery and anarchy.

WONDERFUL... A beautiful and wonderful story of same-sex love during the dictatorship, but with a light, colorful, musical and delicate presentation... One of the most beautiful love scenes between two men I've ever seen in the cinema, deliciously nude sensual, excitedly carnal and poetically artistic, impeccable aesthetic perfection... Captivating and captivating...

This is one of the worst films that i have ever watched. The length and pretentiousness of the many, many 'performance art' scenes are tortuous. They are also largely pointless since the spend a good deal of the film verbally making their objections know to censorship and the potential closure of their venue. Then they spend more time making costumes and songs. (Not spoilers as this info is in the film synopsis on most sites) Please make it end!!

Oh, and just incase anyone may be thinking that my understanding is not sophisticated enough to understand the nuances of the film. Firstly, i have studied Film Studies and Critical Analysis. Secondly, there aren't any nuances.

I can only imagined people rated highly for the almost constant stream of nudity. Yes, you can get bored of seeing full frontal nudity, even if some of the people are relatively attractive

The is a solid 7 Pros 1. The relationship flowering 2. The sex 3. Acting Jesuíta Barbosa is simply great and I think this was his debut film

Cons.

1. Too long should have been shorter 2. Cinematography 3. Side stories which didn't add to the plot.