A makover and masked Suzana (Maria Clara Spinelli) in Paulista.
Brazilian bi-ways
By Miranda Inganni
What happens when a transgender, a drug addicted sexy singer and a horny actress meet at a bar? Well, in Roberto Moreira’s São Paulo-based film, Paulista (Quanto Dura o Amor?), you find that out.
Marina (Sílvia Lourenço) arrives in this dazzling city to pursue her acting career while living with a friend of a friend’s, Suzana (Maria Clara Spinelli). As Suzana falls in love with a colleague, she struggles with the decision of letting him in to her secretive life. Meanwhile, Marina meets a chanteuse, Justine (Danni Carlos), while bonding with her new friend over a beer. Smitten with Justine, and thanks to a chance encounter, the two beauties hit it off, then get each other off.
Lest I forget, male characters feature in this romantic, touching flick as well: Jay (Fábio Herford) as a neighbor who idealizes the search for true love; Gil (Gustav Machado) as the chiseled nightclub-owner and Justine’s husband; Nuno, (Paulo Vilhena) the handsome lawyer who is faced with a predicament because of his partner’s love, trust and honesty.
This sweet (double) love triangle is quite well written by Moreira and Anna Muylaret and acted by all. The Brazilian film moves along at a quick enough pace to keep things exciting, while allowing a glimpse into the inner workings of three friends in search of something more from love.
Marina (Sílvia Lourenço) arrives in this dazzling city to pursue her acting career while living with a friend of a friend’s, Suzana (Maria Clara Spinelli). As Suzana falls in love with a colleague, she struggles with the decision of letting him in to her secretive life. Meanwhile, Marina meets a chanteuse, Justine (Danni Carlos), while bonding with her new friend over a beer. Smitten with Justine, and thanks to a chance encounter, the two beauties hit it off, then get each other off.
Lest I forget, male characters feature in this romantic, touching flick as well: Jay (Fábio Herford) as a neighbor who idealizes the search for true love; Gil (Gustav Machado) as the chiseled nightclub-owner and Justine’s husband; Nuno, (Paulo Vilhena) the handsome lawyer who is faced with a predicament because of his partner’s love, trust and honesty.
This sweet (double) love triangle is quite well written by Moreira and Anna Muylaret and acted by all. The Brazilian film moves along at a quick enough pace to keep things exciting, while allowing a glimpse into the inner workings of three friends in search of something more from love.
Recommended.
(Paulista screens July 16, 9:45 p.m., DGA Theatre 2)
