Central Station

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Brasilian Film
Review: The cinematography is spectacular in this film. The acting is great with some brazilian all stars. This is an excellent drama with heartfelt performances. Buy this now if you enjoy international films. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Achievement
Review: So many times a road movie remains on the road, with the young boy remaining in a state of wandering, though of increasing self-discovery. This remarkable film is a true celebration of rediscovery -- a rediscovery of family and a rediscovery of love. The mostly happy ending is not even slightly forced, but instead comes across as the real and most satisfying conclusion of a long journey. The young boy, far from being spoiled or a brat, seems more intent on defending himself and realizes he must keep pushing and pushing his older companion if he is ever to see his father. His tears show that he is only a little boy on the inside. Her tears show that she has a warm, tender heart yearning to break free.

Who says a film needs to have a rotten, almost nihilistic ending in order to be "deep" or "meaningful?" Family, love, and even sweet sentiment can also be the stuff of depth. After years of the other stuff, what a refreshing change of pace!

Thanks to Central Station and Mr. Salles for getting it right!

Rating:
Summary: FORGET THE COMMENTARY
Review: I had always thought that U.S. writers would stick to the roadtrip (e.g., "On the Road") and the Latins would stick to magical realism. I've been happily surprised by the results of their poaching on the American genre. Recently I watched "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and found it excellent. Like YTMT, "Central Station" is cut in the classic mold of the roadtrip, where transformation flows from the trip itself and the characters met on it. This movie come highly recommended. Its only detraction is the ending, which could have occurred in any of the last three scenes and which was a little too melodramatic.