Acting gives 'Linha De Passe' an edge

Linha De Passe

Directors: Walter Salles/Daniela Thomas

Cast: Sandra Corveloni, Joao Baldasserini, Vinicius De Oliveira

Cert: 15

We must assume the Brazilian film industry turns out zippy, foot-tapping musicals and side-splitting comedies since we never seem to get to see any of them.

We do get lots of dire, poverty-stricken characters struggling for survival in the dirty and dangerous back streets of big cities … not the sort of films that make you want to whistle the tunes.

OK, so occasionally even the dark side can be turned into a work of art, however minor the work is … and here, in a film that stands alongside the excellent 'Central Station', we do have a drama that is a cut above the Brazilian angst norm, a well-observed family saga in which four brothers combat their surroundings in search of their dreams.

What gives the film its edge is the terrific ensemble acting, with one outstanding performance from Corveloni, who picked up the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award.

But, please, something a little fluffier next time.

Star Rating: 3/5