ruthgee We watched this movie the other evening and found it to be a delight. Nothing deep, but a lot of fun. The music is good and one wants to dance. The scenery, beautiful and the actors most attractive. This affords one a pleasant evening.

Rosemea D.S. MacPherson This movie warmed up a very cool afternoon on the northeast side of the U.S. I like to see Brazil through the perception of a native born director such as Bruno Barreto (Gabriela). I simply loved that movie also.I hate those producers/directors whose mission in life is to go abroad and show the world the ugly side of most countries. I am always seeing movies about Brazil where the main theme is poverty and the slums of Rio. Some of those producers/directors, should go in front of and across the street from the White House: Yes, in Washington D.C. and make a movie about the homeless that sit there all year long including during the long winter, snow and all! That is sad! I don't even need a plot, just give me that type of photography of Rio and Bossa-Nova and who needs anything more! The script is witty, realistic to the Brazil I know, the characters are funny and full of idiosyncracies. I loved the Brazilian law clerk all casual and being herself. You would never see that in the U.S.! I love the work of Antonio Fagundes (A Compadecida) (whom I used to see all the time having coffee at a little coffee shop in Sumare, Sao Paulo, where Channel 4 used to be and where he did so many fun soap-operas). I love the work of Amy Irving (Yentl, The Competition). Way to go Amy. Way to go Amy and Bruno, show the world some of the lovely side of that beautiful country! I loved this movie! Saudades!

Swangirl Let's be honest. Bossa Nova is not a heavy weight film. Nor does it pretend to be. That's its core charm. A bit frothy, yes, but leaves a sweet aftertaste that happily lingers for days.I hadn't seen Amy Irving (Mary Ann) in quite a while and was glad to see her in this film. Her timid interplay with Faguendes (Pedro Paul) was sweet and touching. I enjoyed watching their love story unfold. Faguendes is obviously a well-known, beloved actor in his home country. It's the first time I've seen his work and I can see why he's so popular.But there's plenty more to take note of. Watching Faguendes' family ties nearly unravel is almost heartbreaking at times. To see three generations is almost unheard of in today's movies. I was pleased to see it.The other subplots are equally fun. The soon-to-be exported Brazilian soccer player's quest to learn how to curse in English is hilarious. And watching the girl dream of her online "boyfriend" is something many of us can relate to. Not to mention the soulful longing of the young man (Pedro Paul's son)who wants her but isn't brave enough to state his case.All this plays out against an almost idyllic backdrop of sand dunes, towering mountains, charming cafes and crashing surf. Sure, it may not be the entire face of Rio but would you want to see the sewers in New York City? I doubt it. I've never been to Rio but this movie had me dreamily considering it.Jobim's music, by the way, is the perfect choice. Like sunlight on water...

afterglo Although I saw it alone, it made me wish I were on a date. First of all, I've always been a lover of Brazilian music, and this movie is chock full of it, with a heavy emphasis on Antonio Carlos ("Tom") Jobim.It's not another *Gone with the Wind* or *Casablanca*, but who can resist the blue sky and water of Rio de Janeiro, with Sugarloaf Mountain looming over the city and the azure sea? This all might have been wasted if the cinematography Hollywood competent, which it is. It made me want to move to Brazil at the first possible opportunity.The story is comic and tragic at the same time. Amy Irving is delightful. The rest of the cast is generally more than competent.All in all, it was 2 hours very well spent.