Vergiss, was ich versprochen habe

A very subtle and accomplished Portuguese comedy drama, directed with a light touch by young António Ferreira. It's the story of a dysfunctional family, with the father and mother both hitting mid-life crises at precisely the same time. She wants some magic in her life, and seeks it from him; he wants some in his life and seeks it from ... well ... magic. Throw into this vortex of dissatisfaction a punk daughter, an ailing grandfather, a troubled niece with a penchant for arson and a goat and you have the recipe for a very enjoyable ride. There's neat editing and good use of music, and Ferreira's direction of his actors is excellent: Custódia Gallego and António Capelo are smashing in the main roles and there's a touching performance from veteran Fernando Taborda as the grandfather in the winter of his life. All in all, 'Esquece ...' is simply a lovely little film.