Brazilian Western (2013) (Blu-ray/DVD Review)
Directed By: René Sampaio
Starring: Fabrício Boliveira, Isis Valverde, Felipe Abib
Rated: R/Region A/1:78/1080p/Number of Discs 2
Where to get it: Shout! Factory
Joao de Santo Cristo is a young man who leaves his impoverished home behind in search of a better life. Arriving in Brasilia, he soon falls for the beautiful Maria Lucia, the daughter of a senator. But as their relationship flourishes, Joao’s involvement in drug trafficking causes him to slide deeper and deeper through a downward spiral of crime and violence. The stakes become even greater as Joao finds himself on a collision course with playboy drug dealer Jeremias, his rival in business: and for the heart of Maria Lucia.
We’ve seen movies like Brazilian Western before, but we haven’t seen one like it in a while. The story can at times be a bit of a pulse pounder. It is certainly a good paced and well written film that tells a very good tale. Fabrício Boliveira holds his own here as he places the weight of the film on his shoulders and does just a fine job of making it what it is. He has a great supporting cast for the most part, but I think there is never any question who the star of the film is. These types of films seem to always have a sense of doom and gloom over there. You watch and just wait for the other foot to drop and their ends up being a nerve biter, but it also ends up being half the fun when you are knees deep in this genre.
Being set in the 1980s and based off a song apparently, you can’t deny that this film has style. You can see shades of great crime films in the DNA of Brazilian Western. You could see some other genres here and there as well. It makes for a hybrid of a crime drama, with the way the movie handles all the things it has going on to the way that things seem very authentic in time, you won’t be bored or have a bad time watching this movie. There is also a great soundtrack with just enough western vibe tossed in to make you feel like you’ve seen something special once you’ve seen Brazilian Western. There is no black and white in the ranks of a film like this. There is many shades of grey. You never know how things will go, but if you like something that just feel fresh and new, then this is the way to go.
- Making of Brazilian Western
- Original Trailer
