Forget the favelas of Rio, this film has the texture of the everyday life (or at least everyday emotions) of a retired policeman whose past haunts him. Antonio Fagundes as the policeman and the two actresses who play prostitutes are credible throughout. The photography and rhythm of the film contribute to making this a superior film. The movie has a political subtext both past and present that take it beyond the apparent story. This was one of two Brazilian films I saw with Spanish subtitles at a film festival recently. The other, Alice's House, won an award at the festival. This one didn't but it sticks in my memory because of the characterization, underscored by subtle lighting. The end is in the tradition of the famed Brazilian writer Machado de Assis. I think even dubbed the film would be engrossing.