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giomarmrt
Reviews
Central do Brasil (1998)
It should have won the Oscar
Not that La vita e Bella was lacking, both having a child coactor and being very emotive. But Montenegro plays a deeper and richer character imho.
I'm sure Central do Brazil was not respresentative of 1998 Rio, I did find shocking the random execution of a petty thief for example. Nevertheless the director reveals the social reality in a masterful way, I admire the ending: most rational and sentimental at the same time. Nothing broken I see in these characters regardless the setbacks.
Ceux qui travaillent (2018)
Reacting to ending criticism ( warning of plot revealing)
I actually think that the ending is the most plausible.
And what I expected. The attitude of the family being rather self absorbing was a good indication. The catharsis with the captain (after a super cathartic bonus) was quite interesting, but not developed enough.
I was particularly stricken by his honesty not to hide behind the true reason of his dismissal : seniority. Also about the openness of the mother to the elder siblings. Honesty in crime and tender relationship with youngest daughter is what saves him. Also the collusion of all parties involved.
One more time I'm reminded why Africa is in such underdeveloped state: being the playground of self enriching European and lately Asian states. Switzerland being an excellent example : I only mention the well documented case of copper mining at pennies a pound paid in Africa, many euros per pound selling in Europe.
One goofing thing: the family home was in Switzerland ( francs being used, army service the elder son) but thé father drives to a port in Belgium or NL with his youngest daughter in an afternoon ? Even in porche should be 8 hours minimum.