Rating: 
Summary: The lighter side of Rio
Review: Movies such as Central Station (Central do Brasil) were applauded for showing a realistic view of Rio and Brasil. This movie brings us back to the romance and beauty of Rio - this is important because the two sides do coexist. Well acted, sweet, a little silly at times, but also hilarious for those familiar with the idionsyncracies of the cariocas (residents of Rio). Thank you for making this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Carioca Life
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great movie. There were a few moments that were trying too hard for laughs, however the story plot, the acting, and the scenery were all wonderful. I especially thought the scenery was exceptional! If not for the story, I think it is still worthwhile to check out this movie to see Rio at its best! However I do agree with one other reviewer that this movie does give the deceiving impression that everybody in Rio, particularly middle to upper-middle class people, live in apartments in prime locations with spectacular views of the ocean. There was not a trace of poverty or crime in this movie, but I think is appropriate being that this movie is supposed to be a light hearted romanic comedy instead of a "favela" movie. That's why the director's commentary is kind of a nice optional feature on the DVD version. The director, having himself grown up in Rio, clearly explains that he wanted to bring the best out in Rio. Happy movie going. Tchau everybody!
Rating:
Summary: Eight Syllables
Review: The star of 'Bossa Nova' isn't Amy Irving nor Bruno Barreto (both of whom have by now become a couple, or so I've heard). The true star, and most glorious element in this otherwise pretty movie, is the composer of the songs featured on the soundtrack: ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM. Without whom Brazil would still be a forgotten corner of the earth. And Rio a half-remembered dream.... If you've never heard of him, just listen. Elevator music on the way to heaven.
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely
Review: This film has beautifully photographed scenes in Rio, a sweet love story with likeable characters, and Tom Jobim's music running under it all. You will float away in it like a swimmer in a calm sea. A delight.
Rating:
Summary: Lots of laughs
Review: This is a hilarious romantic comedy that makes you feel good. With more twists and turns, unlikely partnerships, zany but loveable characters and beautiful scenery this is a movie that delights the senses. Set amidst the the backdrop of Sugarloaf mountain the characters parade along the beautiful beaches of Rio, in outdoor cafes or office buildings with spectacular vistas. Several other people, including the editors of Amazon have given you a pretty good idea of the multiple plots but suffice to say it has a novela or soap opera like flavor. The scenarios are unlikely but who cares? You will be having so much fun laughing at the crazy goings on, the romantic interludes and the beautiful cinematography that you won't have time to nit pick. Amy Irving, former wife of Steven Speilberg and current "wife"(not officially married but they have child) of the director of Bossa Nova, Bruno Barreto, turns in a good performance as the widowed English teacher. Her suttle charm is perfect for the role as a reluctant romantic. The collection of actors and actresses pull off an exceptional performance for a very memorable movie. Various scenes are worth playing over and over, especially some of those where Amy Irving or her students use a ball to be thrown back and forth in a visceral display as they shout profanities at one another in preparation for on the soccer pitch confrontations. The Brazilian soccer player who is headed for England to play overseas is a riot with his egocentric behavior. The wild romances are as follows: a winner of the girl from Ipenema contest(not!) and an American artist who lives in a loft in New York(not!) have an internet relationship and eventually meet, a lovely law intern being romanced by her bosses brother until she meets the Brazilian soccer star who was hot for the English teacher, the ex wife travel agent of the lawyer and her Chinese Tai Chee boyfriend and the sophisticated divorced lawyer and the English teacher. Got that? You get the point. There are other characters of note most notably the bodyguard of the soccer star who is the massive Gordo. It is a romantic farce at it's best. The music soundtrack is perfect as the soft bossa nova creates a nice counterpoint to the crazy happenings. Recommended for a light hearted look at life in beautiful Rio.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This movie is very good. It shows a Rio de Janeiro the we haven't seen in a long time. The fotography is great. Amy, Fagundes, and Drica Moraes are fantastic. I highly recomend this movie.
Rating:
Summary: A Rio Cookie
Review: This movie was a bit of terrific. I enjoyed the point of view shots of Rio that reminded me that Rio is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. The love stories were woven together not unlike a good episode of "The Love Boat". And the characters while not quite 3D, were certainly 2 dimensional. The music lilts pleasantly in the bg. Suffice it to say that you could do much worse than "Bossa Nova". Try it. You'll like it.
Rating:
Summary: little gems
Review: This was a film that was in Theaters for about two minutes and then found its way to VHS/DVD. Finally. It is truly an under-rated romantic comedy that I have found (because I seem to make everyone I know watch this) to appeal to many different people of many different ages. It isn't the most original film in the world but it is well-made. Aspects of the story are like a screw-ball comedy from the thirties and other times it is a little melancholy with the right touch of longing and it addresses that oh so universal theme of trying to find that 'someone'.
It is just a simple story of two lonely people trying to meet and each time there are distractions of other people trying to meet as well and facing dreary sides of potential love.
The soundtrack matches many of the moments of film perfectly; right down to the lyrics being sung in particular scene where two of the characters meet at the most inopportune moment.
It is obvious to see why the director dedicated the film to Antonio Carlos "Tom" Jobim and Francois Truffaut. The inspirations from both artists are apparent and it seems like this is a Valentine to both the men and to the director's wife (the lead character) Amy Irving.
This is a film that isn't going to bring out any new surprises or insights into the human psyche. It is a small little snap-shot of a lovely moment.
"Bossa Nova" is like the genre of music. Swingy, breezy, casual, sensual and delightful.
Rating:
Summary: Very funny and romantic..great for a date!!
Review: This was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time although I may be a bit partial because my girlfriend is from Brazil but I think even if she wasn't we would have enjoyed watching this flick just as much.
Rating:
Summary: A different kind of Brazilian movie
Review: When I was younger, I used to wonder: how come Brazilian soap operas are so popular and Brazilian movies are considered poor? Even the so-called "good" Brazilian movies weren't appealing enough to Brazilian audiences. The answer may be that "good" Brazilian movies usually favor the background over the plot. They try to find a style of their own by making prominent use of elements of Brazilian culture, but the plot itself becomes secondary and, more often than not, boring. That's where "Bossa Nova" succeeds: it is a simple, lightweight romantic comedy that would not be out of place in Brazilian television. The success of this movie in Brazil far exceeded everyone's expectations. Instead of blatantly displaying Brazilian landscapes and typical characters, director Bruno Barreto simply used the beauty of Rio de Janeiro as a backdrop for a story that could have happened anywhere. And yet, the magic of Rio permeates this movie in a soothing, insidious way. As Bruno says in the commentary track, he chose to portray Rio as he wished the city still were, with no violence and poverty. Interestingly, not only does Bruno speak English through the whole commentary (since he's talking to his wife Amy Irving), but he even says his own name with an American accent! Talk about fully absorbing a foreign culture! In a word, this is the kind of Brazilian movie I used to dream of when I was a teenager: just a simple and catchy story with strong enough appeal both for Brazilian and foreign audiences.
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