Amores

AMORES has been described by Braziian critics as a "Woody Allen"-like dramatic comedy, made in Brazil. Written, directed and starring Domingos de Oliveira, with his real-life (though not in this film) wife, Priscilla Rozenbaum, the movie's emphasis on psycho-analysis among the main characters, depiction of marital infidelity, and dysfunctional relationship with a teenage daughter clearly show similarities. The addition of the de rigueur 90's character: the nice HIV-positive, gay/bisexual guy, and his relationship with a "girl" friend looking for love reinforces the parallels. But all in all, it is a very Brazilian film. True, Rio and New York are comparable as huge world metropolises. But the comparison pretty much stops there. The sensuality of the former Brazilian capital permeates the not so original screenplay, and adds unique twists to the movie. This comes through in spite of the fact that the movie was shot mostly in interior locations. The theatrical feeling is not unusual, since De Oliveira and Rozenbaum are among Rio's most acclaimed and ubiquitous theater stars. Their chemistry as best friends in AMORES is another welcome addition to the film, and their performances are ultimately the best reasons to see AMORES