Abril Despedaçado (2001)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Walter Salles

Writers:

Karim Ainouz (writer)
Ismail Kadare (novel)

Release Date:

28 February 2002 (Malaysia)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

When ordered by his father to avenge the death of his older brother, a young man questions the tradition of violence between two rival families.

Plot Keywords:

Death | Tradition | Violence | Circus | Cangaço

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 5 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

José Dumont	...	Father
Rodrigo Santoro	...	Tonho
Rita Assemany	...	Mother
Ravi Ramos Lacerda	...	Pacu
Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos	...	Salustiano
Flavia Marco Antonio	...	Clara
Everaldo Pontes	...	Old Blind Man (as Everaldo De Souza Pontes)
Caio Junqueira	...	Inácio
Mariana Loureiro	...	Widow
Servilio de Holanda	...	Isaías
Wagner Moura	...	Matheus
Othon Bastos	...	Mr. Lourenço
Gero Camilo	...	Reginaldo
Vinícius de Oliveira	...	Ferreira Family Member
Soia Lira	...	Ferreira Family Member

Also Known As:

Avril brisé (France)
Behind the Sun (International: English title)
Shredded April (literal English title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sexuality.

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

Brazil | France | Switzerland

Language:

Portuguese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

Malaysia:U | Argentina:13 | Brazil:12 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-11 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIA | Netherlands:12 | Peru:14 | Philippines:PG-13 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:12 | USA:PG-13 | Iceland:LH

Filming Locations:

Bom Sossego, Bahia, Brazil

Company:

Bac Films

Movie Connections:

References Os Trapalhões e o Mágico de Oróz (1984)

nicely done.

To be honest, I only rented the film so that I could swoon over handsome Rodrigo Santoro after watching his brief, but memorable role in the romantic comedy "Love Actually". Little did I know how good this film was. I didn't mind the subtitles because they were clear and non-complex. I loved hearing the language. I don't know; there's something mysteriously alluring about Portuguese; it has this smooth, almost rhythmic flavor about it. I was thoroughly entertained by the little boy they called "kid" aka "Puca" (played by Ravi Ramos Lacerda); he's basically a kid wanting to drown in the world of his fantasies but has to uphold these responsibilities of labor jus like the rest of his family. I found him to be sweet, assertive, and pure comedy. All the roles were praisingly convincing and held my attention the whole way through. I couldn't get over how young Rodrigo looked even though the movie was taped but only two years ago. hehe...young, but oh so adorable :o). He doesn't say much, but...sometimes, words just aren't necessary. Neways, I think the film's great. Not one metaphor or streak of symbolism seemed out of place; not one character seemed a bit too exaggerated or too thin in personality. I really liked this film. Honestly? I really did. =) hehe it has my vote.