User reviews

The Portuguese film industry isn't much seen around the world and probably even not much seen in Portugal itself. I start by saying this because if you watch this or other Portuguese movies you will realize that doesn't have the same "look" that most of the more commercial movies that we are given. However and despite simple, this is one story that it's very worth being told and even more worthy of being seen! It may not have special effects, big scenarios or Hollywood stars but it has the most important: an honest story. In this movie two stories are told: a young boy mistreated by his family and an old woman who loses her husband and also doesn't have the support that she would actually need from her family. This could be the story of so many children and so many older people. Abandonement, loneliness, being treated like strangers, even considered insane by those who should love us the most! The fiction here is when two of these stories come together but here you won't find it fiction, because there isn't a single minute in this movie that you won't find that could be about your grandparents, your aunt, anyone you know or even yourself. Accompanied with a lovely soundtrack, if you want an escape from the usual movies this is certainly a good choice.

History: simple, modern and adjusted to reality. It is well demonstrated that the support and affection can do for someone abandoned and the need to show you the way.

Lighting: Superb. Breaks with the traditional lighting of the Portuguese movies, where everything is always too dark and misfit.

Sound: it is finally possible to clearly hear the speeches of the actors. In Portuguese films, traditionally the sound effects stifle the speech of actors. Usually to see Portuguese films, if available subtitles, I see with subtitles. This film is not necessary.

I highly recommend this movie.

Um rapaz desamparado e uma viúva à procura de um rumo, depois da morte do seu marido, encontram-se por acaso do destino, dando asas a uma história realmente comovente. Este longa tem uma banda sonora, boa, planos sequências ainda melhores (que por sinal não são muito comuns nos filmes pt) com especial destaque a um dos planos iniciais que de forma discreta traça de certa forma o encontro dos dois personagens antes de estes se aperceberem. Uma das coisas que me incomodaram foi o antagonista, na figura de Daniel ( Vivido por Ricardo Carriço, que por sinal está bem no papel apesar de ser mais arroz), sogro de Rosa vivida por Maria Guerra que está excelente no papel. Daniel é representado como se fosse apenas uma arrogante, frio, como fosse retirado de um cartoon, sem nenhuma motivação ou razão de ser. A Fernanda Serrano no papel de Luísa (filha de Rosa) é o clássico pãozinho sem sal. E de mencionar alguns diálogos que a realidade parece não ter servido de inspiração, mas isso são ossos do ofício do cinema em português. Onde o filme ganha pontos, é na relação da personagem do Jô com o seu pai. Alberto é um pai ausente, virado para a bebida. Contudo o filme faz um bom trabalho a humaniza-lo deixando portanto a dúvida do que terá acontecido para se ter tornado assim. O arco de Jô é cativante e João Jesus está bem no papel, apesar de parecer por vezes um pouco caricato. Por último, o final poético que contrapôs de certa forma o final com o início do filme dando a entender que faltava algo na vida de Rosa para que então pudesse seguir em frente.

Nota: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7.5/10)

I normally don't go out and watch Portuguese films, but this one caught my attention... And THANK GOD I'VE SEEN IT!! No, it's not a love story between and old woman and a kid, like the trailer suggests... It's a friendship story, and it's one of the most beautiful stories I've seen in my life! The music is good, suitable for the movie, and you kinda feel different stuff along the way... You can feel the pain and the struggle of an old lady dealing with loneliness and her husband's death, but still have lots and lots of love to give... Most of all, you can see her strength... And then you can watch the life of a kid, who's got no love from anyone, who gets beaten up the his father, forgot by his mother, and finds in the old lady some comfort and care... Overall, it's a beautiful movie, and really worth your time! Definitely GO and GIVE IT A TRY!

Like other users said, don't usually watch Portuguese cinema (not there is a lot of it..) but had a lovely evening watching this one. Great cast with consistent good performance. If you let it it will take you in an emotional journey, make you laugh and cry. And if it makes you feel things isn't it a success? I would say so! Fair enough, might be a simple predictable story with the typical happy"ish" ending, but what's wrong with it? Restores you faith in mankind, you end the movie feeling good and reflect on the fact that love and care comes in all sorts of shapes and unpredictable situations. On a last note, and as expected, you can see the film didn't have the millionaire budget like Hollywood does but, even so, kudos to everyone that put it together for the brilliant job.

a special love story. or, more comfortable, a story of friendship. because the love is more intense, seductive, powerful, remembering fado. a film about small things. old truths. about the need of the other, about a sort of sentimental link who seems ignored by too many, about need to trust, about past and present and roots and hope. more than a great film, it is a necessary one. for see you again, in the right light. an old lady. a young man. and the trust, few cigarettes, a book and new/old beginnings. short, fado.