Aquarela do Brasil

Have always absolutely adored Disney, all my life pretty much. Same goes for animation. Donald Duck is one of their greatest creations and one of my all-time favourite cartoon characters, am also very familiar with his teaming with Jose (from them being two of the Three Caballeros) and like them very much together. Despite having never been to Brazil personally, really do want to go though at some point, have seen it many times in film and television and its look and its ambience are so wonderful.

While not a Disney high point, 'Aquarela do Brasil', presenting an impressionistic watercolour view of Brazil, is still pure joy. It is much fun to watch and is just so vibrant and colourful, two of the best words to describe anything. Anybody who loves animation, Brazil or both should find a lot to like, even love, about 'Aquarela do Brasil'. With the world going through such a dark time in history at the time of the cartoon being made and released, seeing something to uplift and relax must have been something of a welcome distraction.

'Aquarela do Brasil' is a slight cartoon in terms of story, not really much of one at all actually. Also found the ending on the abrupt side.

The animation however has an immense charm and beauty, full of bounce and vibrancy which perfectly reflects Brazil itself. The use of the paintbrush is imaginative. Also absolutely loved the music, the catchy and upbeat rhythms and the exotic instrumentation make one want to get up and dance or sing (or both) along, regardless of how good one's dancing and singing is.

Laugh out loud a minute 'Aquarela do Brasil may not be, but it is amusing and it is also very nostalgic and affectionate. The exotic and nostalgic atmosphere of Brazil is nailed. Donald is as ever a compelling and funny presence, one would think he would be out of sorts in this setting but actually he fits perfectly within it, in a situation (not being able to understand Portugese) that clearly frustrates and worries him which is a big part of his character and the catalyst for his trademark temper. Jose is both suave and witty, and their chemistry drives 'Aquarela do Brasil' beautifully. Jose Oliviera and Clarence Nash embody the characters.

In conclusion, a joy. 9/10

Disney did a lot of animation related to the country of Brazil, from full-length animated films to these cartoon shorts. While it was nice experiencing the work of a different culture in brilliant animation, the plot/story itself was pretty boring. The music, consisting of a male vocalist constantly singing "Brazil, Brazil" will put you to sleep. Donald only has a cameo appearance in this one - definitely there are better cartoons with him in it out there.

Grade D+

This totally bland Disney short starts out with an artist's hand painting plants and flowers and such. Eventually, Donald Duck and a parrot named Jose Carioca are drawn. Jose spouts out a whole lotta Portuguese while Donald tries to figure out what he's saying. Jose and Donald samba on into town. They visit a cafe and Donald drinks something really hot. The most interesting part is when Jose smokes a cigar. The burning question is...why did Disney allow this to remain, but they removed the cigar which Goofy was smoking in the "El Gaucho Goofy" animated short? Perhaps the world will never know. 1/10

While the music "Aquarela do Brasil" by Ary Barroso is sung by Aloysio Oliveira, a paintbrush makes a tribute to the beauties of Brazil. Donald Duck arrives and meets José "Zé" Carioca, a native from Rio de Janeiro. Zé Carioca gives a Brazilian hug in Donald and invites him in Portuguese to visit places in Rio de Janeiro. However, Donald cannot understand the language and Zé Carioca repeats the invitation in English. They go to the famous sidewalk in Copacabana; then they go (probably) to Cinelândia to drink cachaça, and Donald ends the night dancing with Carmen Miranda in the Cassino da Urca.

In 1942, during the period of the Good Neighbor Policy of the United States of America with Latin America to gather allied to fight in World War II, Carmen Miranda was invited to move to America where she built a successful career; n the same period, Walt Disney released Zé Carioca. Despite of the political intention, this nostalgic and imaginative animation is a great homage to Brazil. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Aquarela do Brazil" ("Watercolor of the Brazil")

I find this compulsive viewing and very well crafted. The idea of painting in the characters and background at the same time as the animation transforms works brilliantly and I find the plot rather funny. I think that it has a slightly week ending but this does not matter. Donald not understanding Portuguese.... brilliant! For its time this is an excellent animation. As for smoking cigars : people still do that today - this film was made in 1942!

This cartoon reflects something of the wartime period in which it was made - fun and escapism, exotic locations and flowers - in a period of horror and war. Contrast this against the animation of Donald Duck and Nazi's. I love it.