Once Upon a Time in Rio
Situated just above the awe-inspiring Ipanema beach in Rio is the Cantagalo slum. Every day, floods of Cantagalo residents make their way down the mountain, only to disappear into their surroundings as part of the invisible working-class that cleans apartments, works in restaurants, and sells food along the scenic, sun-drenched shores. Young Dé (Thiago Martins) is just such a man. Dé lives with his mother Bernadette (Cyria Coentro) in a cramped Cantagalo apartment, selling hot dogs on the beach in order to make the rent. His brother Beto was killed when Dé was just a young boy, and his adopted brother Carlão (Rocco Pitanga) has been jailed for a robbery that he didn't commit. One day, while working on the beach, Dé meets Nina (Vitória Frate). Nina is the only child of a successful lawyer named Evandro (Paulo César Grande), who's none to happy to discover that his daughter is dating a member of the lower class. How...
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Plot Summary
The film follows the intertwined lives of three individuals in Rio de Janeiro: a former prostitute trying to escape her past, a young man caught in the city's criminal underworld, and a corrupt businessman with his own agenda. Their paths converge amidst the favelas and elite neighborhoods, revealing the harsh realities and complex social dynamics of the city.
Critical Reception
Once Upon a Time in Rio received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its gritty realism and atmospheric portrayal of Rio de Janeiro. Some found the narrative somewhat disjointed, but the performances and visual style were generally commended.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its authentic depiction of urban Brazil.
- Noted for strong performances from its lead actors.
- Some found the plot to be less engaging than its visual presentation.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in various districts of Rio de Janeiro, capturing the city's diverse landscapes from its favelas to its affluent areas.
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