|
In
the Brazilian badlands of 1910, two families are locked in a blood
feud over ownership of a sugar plantation. Death is as inevitable
as the sun rising over the desert landscape, so when his brother
Inacio is slaughtered by the neighbouring Ferreira clan, Tonio (Santoro)
has little choice but to avenge the Breves family's honour with
another tit-for-tat killing.
A brief
respite from this vicious circle comes in the unlikely form of two
travelling circus performers - beautiful trapeze artist Clara (Marco
Antonio) and her watchful brother Salustiano (Carlos Vasconcelos).
Egged on by his young brother Pacu (Ramos Lacerda), Tonio experiences
a world free from hatred, violence and filial obligation. But with
his own death warrant effectively signed, can he break the cycle
of violence before he becomes its latest victim?
Full
of poetic imagery, dazzling photography and heartfelt performances
from a mostly unknown cast, "Behind The Sun" is old-style
melodrama at its best. Only a mawkish and overly sentimental conclusion
mars a compelling fable that is rich enough to overcome anyone's
aversion to subtitles.
In
Portugese with English subtitles.
"Behind
the Sun" is in UK cinemas on Friday 8th March 2002.
Reviewed
by , ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Films
Use the
link below to comment on this film. |
