This film is certainly a masterpiece and ought to be remembered for all times. It was based on a novel written by Lebanese descendant Raduan Nassar, who was born in Brazil. The story is about a beautiful family of Lebanese heritage that lives in the countryside of Brazil. However, needless to say that peace does not remain in the father's house.
Translated properly, the real film's title is something like "Archaic Farming", because that's what it really is. The film takes place in the mid 30's or 40's and through flashbacks, we get to know about André (Selton Mello) and the reasons that led him to a desperate and at the same time wise decision to leave his home for good. André is a harassed, taciturn, introverted man... a sort of a bad root in the Family tree. His mother, so sweet and tender, loves him above all her children. Such a maternal love suffocates André who finds himself mad because of the ardent love he feels for his sister Ana. André's happiness depends on Ana's actions and movements towards him. In a few words, she's everything in his life. The father is a very strict and severe man who desires above all things, order and tradition in his house. André just can't stand it. After his disastrous sister's rejection, André leaves his home. Nonetheless, his older brother Pedro, goes after him and after finding André, convinces him to get back home.
The ending is surprising for those who haven't read the book but for those who did, it's unforgettable. Lavoura Arcaica is indeed a very beautiful and unusual film. Not everyone is able to watch it until the end and understand it in its all ways and meanings.
The photography is just extraordinary; all the colors on screen are amazing. The soundtrack is excellent. All the actors' performances are great. Selton Mello, who was already a famous actor in Brazil, manages to play a different character this time. I dare to say that the film is just as good as the book. Both are worth watching and reading.
There are so many things that I could say about this film... but really, I'll leave it for you to watch it.
