Caramelo

I had given up on the current batch of Hollywood dog movies to buy for my granddaughters, so when I noticed this one on Netflix, I had to see it for myself. It's a Brazilian film in Portuguese with subtitles and my girls speak only English and Spanish, but the older girl reads well, so language won't be a big deal.

What's great about this movie is the dog. Caramelo is, to put it politely, a hybrid of several breeds. He's an intelligent little guy, and has such a wide range of facial expressions, all natural and none done by CGI, unlike the characterizations that Hollywood dog films resort to.

The cast is really good, though I only knew one of them: Carolina Ferraz. All of the cast does well, which means to me that the director is good at his job.

I recommend this film as appropriate for family viewing and I consider it safe for kids to watch unaccompanied. I can't say that about many of the Hollywood films of this kind.

Caramelo is one of those rare films that reach into your chest and hold on to your heart long after the credits roll. On the surface, it tells the story of Pedro, a chef whose dreams are suddenly derailed by a devastating diagnosis. But at its core, it's a universal story about resilience, love, and the small, unexpected miracles that help us keep going.

The bond between Pedro and the caramel-colored stray dog is the soul of this film. It's not just a man and his pet - it's a reflection of companionship, healing, and the beauty of finding light in the darkest times. The way their relationship unfolds feels so genuine that I often forgot I was watching actors.

The direction is delicate and deeply human, letting moments breathe without rushing. The cinematography captures both the warmth of shared meals and the loneliness of illness, balancing joy and sorrow in a way that feels achingly real. The score is subtle but piercing, guiding your emotions without ever overwhelming them.

I cried more than once - sometimes from sadness, sometimes from sheer beauty. Caramelo reminds us that life isn't about how much time we have, but how deeply we live and love in the time we're given.

This isn't just a film. It's a heartfelt experience, one that will stay with me for a long time. 10/10.

"Caramel" is a deeply heart-touching film that beautifully portrays the bond between a dog and its caretaker. The love, loyalty, and emotions they share are shown with such warmth that it truly moves you. Pedro's kindness and the dog's pure expressions form the soul of the story. It's an emotional journey that makes time fly, and every dog lover will find a piece of their own story in it. A heartfelt tribute to the unconditional love of dogs.

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This film is sooo sweet. A wonderful story that combines animal love and human relation friendship. The main actor delivered an outstanding Oscar worthy performance in this Brazilian movie. Great fun switches with bad news.

Caramelo should get an Oscar too.

Watch it, the high ratings here are matching with my vote of 7 out 10.

There's definitely something of a fascination with dogs in cinema right now; it's not long until Good Boy hits the screens.

Caramelo is funny, sweet, moving, and refreshingly different. The cast is terrific, and the dog who is the star of the show is first-rate.

I was unsure what to expect; it was definitely a random selection, but I absolutely loved it. It's one of those films that draws you in, keeps a hold of you, and takes you on an unexpected and exciting journey.

I have limited knowledge of Brazilian cinema, and if this is anything to go by, I want more. It manages to be wonderfully moving without being forced or too syrupy.

It's surprisingly moving; Pedro's plight is so sad but very well realised, several scenes will make you tear up.

It's nicely filmed and looks great. I'd suggest watching it in its original format; the voiceovers don't really work so well.

8/10.