Analídia (Cristina Lago) is the teenage daughter of the powerful drug lord Jorjão that is in prison; when she moves with her mother to the Favela da Maré to be protected by the faction of her father, she joins the dance group of the dedicated teacher Fernanda (Marisa Orth). Analídia meets the DJ Jonata (Vinícius D'Black), the stepbrother of the gang leader Dudu (Babu Santana) of the rival faction, and they fall in love for each other. However their love is doomed due to the war between the two gangs.
"Maré, Nossa História de Amor" is a wonderful adaptation of Romeo and Juliet to the environment of the dangerous Favela da Maré (the translation is "Slum of the Tide"), one of the most violent slums of Rio de Janeiro. Lucia Murat once again gives an original gem disclosing to the world the life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, where there is no democracy or government, and the needy communities are ruled by violent gangs of traffickers. The choreography and rhythmic of this dramatic musical is based on a combination of the most antagonistic styles, from classical music to funk; from classic ballet street dance to hip-hop; and movements of the fight "capoeira". Despite the great number of characters, the screenplay provides a good development of the lead ones, supported by Marisa Orth, Babu Santana and a sensational amateurish group of actors, actresses and dancers, most of them natives of poor communities. I do not know how the lyrics are translated to make sense to foreigners, but they are much related to the reality of these communities. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Maré, Nossa História de Amor" ("Maré, Our Love Story")
