Saneamento Básico, O Filme

Although limited and uneventful at a first glance, this movie is able to touch some of the most compelling aspects of becoming a filmmaker in Brazil, namely the lack of support from public or private means and the trickled access to culture as a whole, all the while making fun of the usual neglect directed to the marginalized.

It is also worth of note that this movie is a absolute melting pot of charisma and creativity, being a mix of some noteworthy performances from relatively unknown actors and a showcase of the many talents we would later see in others, such as Fernanda Torres, Wagner Moura and Lázaro Ramos, although their characters can seem undeniably shallow at times, mostly due to the heavily cut dialogue.

So, this movie does not excel as a comedy nor as a critic, being a subpar addition in comparison to other more popular Brazilian films. Yet, it is a worthy and curious footnote in the history of Brazilian cinema, and a good reminder of our ability to try things that seem impossible with the little we may have.