Bossa Nova

Rating:
Summary: The Charm and Beauty of Rio and Bossa
Review: "Bossa Nova" is the perfect marriage between American and Brazilian culture!
As a Brazilian and a Carioca ( a native of Rio ) , I was very pleased to see my hometown in this film portrayed in all its natural beauty and charm - and with the marvellous, sensual and relaxing music of Tom Jobim in the background!
The movie itself is light and funny; the photography is splendid and the characters are so typical of Brazilian culture and reality ! - (the ignorant soccer player celebrity , the elegant, worldly Ipanema woman..., the middle class romantic/naive internet girl...., the charming , successful lawyer... - and the English teacher!
(As an English teacher myself living in this city , I can assure you I run into such people in my classes and social outings quite often ! )

One of the most romantic scenes is the one in the classroom where Fagundes imagines himself dancing a Broadway show with his English teacher , Amy.
And at the very last one, when the romantic couple goes swimming in Ipanema Beach, the background music ( a Bossa Nova "classic" )- "It could only happen to you" sung both in English and Portuguese is the perfect combination of the two cultures and the romance between the main characters. It makes one feel free, happy and romantic - just like Bossa Nova itself!

Rating:
Summary: The Charm and Beauty of Rio and Bossa
Review: "Bossa Nova" is the perfect marriage between American and Brazilian culture!
As a Brazilian and a Carioca ( a native of Rio ) , I was very pleased to see my hometown in this film portrayed in all its natural beauty and charm - and with the marvellous, sensual and relaxing music of Tom Jobim in the background!
The movie itself is light and funny; the photography is splendid and the characters are so typical of Brazilian culture and reality ! - (the ignorant soccer player celebrity , the elegant, worldly Ipanema woman..., the middle class romantic/naive internet girl...., the charming , successful lawyer... - and the English teacher!
(As an English teacher myself living in this city , I can assure you I run into such people in my classes and social outings quite often ! )

One of the most romantic scenes is the one in the classroom where Fagundes imagines himself dancing a Broadway show with his English teacher , Amy.
And at the very last one, when the romantic couple goes swimming in Ipanema Beach, the background music ( a Bossa Nova "classic" )- "It could only happen to you" sung both in English and Portuguese is the perfect combination of the two cultures and the romance between the main characters. It makes one feel free, happy and romantic - just like Bossa Nova itself!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful Movie
Review: An excellent movie that makes you think about your days in Rio if you went to this beautiful place in the past . This is a movie that have a great balance between romance and comedy , great views from Rio and it have some of the best actors from Brazil . If you like the brazilian cinema and the beauty of Rio de Janeiro this is a movie that you must have.

Rating:
Summary: Made for gringos
Review: Barreto's image of Rio is false. There are no views of any slums and it's a fairy tale. Mary Ann's apartments has the shortest wall. What the hell is that about? In the real Rio the wall would be high and the security would be better. This false Rio is made to attract non Brazilians. The story is dull and rese,ble that of any Hollywood story. A waste of great actors. For a better Barreto fil check out "Four Days In September"

Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: Bossa Nova opened to rave reviews at the Miami Film Festival. I'm so glad you carry it! This is a romantic comedy with 3-dimensional characters that set it apart from other movies of the same genre. You can never watch it too many times.

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable
Review: Except for some regrettable lapses into melodrama, this movie captures extremely well the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, and also provides a believable romance between the Brazilian Antonio Fagundes and the American Amy Irving. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Bossa Nova Rocks!
Review: I admit i picked this up only because i love the genre of music and hoped to hear some good covers of great music. The music did not disappoint nor did the beautiful scenery but as an added bonus i loved the whole thing! Each of the characters is familiar somehow, knowable, lovable in their own way and completely human! It is classified as a romantic comedy and i guess it is-plenty of great laughs!-and lots of sweet romance. But it is also deeper, deals with disappointment, death and loss. We are not guarenteed "happily ever after". The best love is here and now.

Rating:
Summary: Bossa Nova Rocks!
Review: I admit i picked this up only because i love the genre of music and hoped to hear some good covers of great music. The music did not disappoint nor did the beautiful scenery but as an added bonus i loved the whole thing! Each of the characters is familiar somehow, knowable, lovable in their own way and completely human! It is classified as a romantic comedy and i guess it is-plenty of great laughs!-and lots of sweet romance. But it is also deeper, deals with disappointment, death and loss. We are not guarenteed "happily ever after". The best love is here and now.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Bossa Nova!
Review: I am a 42-year old divorcee and divorced for over fourteen years now. I am also a seasoned Marketing Executive who thought she had seen it all. However, this movie made me believe in romance and companionship again. It was one of the most enchanting movies I have seen in a long time. It was also a pleasure to see more "mature" actors(obviously over 30) finding someone and enjoying life. I love all types of films, old, new, drama, action, subtitled, documentaries, you name it.I purchase& rent lots of videos weekly. I am an African-American female, who has always had an interest in Latin, Afro-Cuban & Brazilian music. Brazilian music, (Jobim)in particular, is very relaxing and tranquil. I had seen a film preview of the Amy Irving film and purchased the CD soundtrack. I played it in the car, at work, at home, even let it lull me to sleep at night. Then I found the video for rental. The mature actor with the beautiful gray hair, who feel in love with Amy, was absolutely wonderful. He was so inviting and believable. One of the most tender moments in the film was the time he spent with his father, when he selected and cut the fabric for Amy's blouse. Many Americans shy away from subtitled films, and have no patience with them. But, Americans need to take the time to watch more international film work. I have a much greater appreciation for other cultures, outside the US, because of the time spent watching foreign films. In fact, the English words are just a small part of it. I find I am more observant and watch the actors much more intently. Facial expressions and mannerisms mean so much more, because the abbreviated words don't say enough. There are not enough words to say how much this film has impacted my life. Who has not thought about running off to Rio, and floating in the warm, salty sea at dawn.........Thank you Amy!

Rating:
Summary: What a gem!
Review: I can't believe that this movie came out two years ago and this is the first I have heard of it. I was enchanted by Amy Irving when I first saw Crossing Delancey, another one of her great films; and when I came across this gem last night, I had to check it out. She truly lives up to her talent --- as do ALL the other actors! Half-way through watching this movie, I felt transported - to Rio! The music envelopes you (and yes, I have already placed my order to get the soundtrack.) Watch it - you won't be sorry!