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Many movies have tried to weave a web of coincidences and quirky characters into a satisfying tale of love, but few of them succeed. Bossa Nova, directed with a deft touch and acted with simplicity and genuine charm, pulls it off. Mary Ann (Amy Irving) is an American teaching English in Rio de Janeiro; her husband died years before and she has given up on love. Lawyer Pedro (Antonio Fagundes) is in the middle of a sticky divorce and wants his wife back, but when he sees Mary Ann in the hallway outside her language school, he is instantly smitten and starts taking her class. Meanwhile, another student of Mary Ann's is having an affair over the Internet; Pedro's brother falls in love with Pedro's headstrong new intern; and there's the soccer star who's taking lessons from Mary Ann so that he can join a team in Manchester. Bossa Nova has a relaxed, smooth flow, not unlike the music it's named after. The ways the characters' lives start to interlock would be preposterous if it weren't so gracefully developed--every crossed path seems unforced and natural. The romance manages to be sweet and realistic, a mixture of swooning and melancholy. Irving and Fagundes are wonderful, particularly because they aren't callow youngsters but people who've experienced some hard knocks and yet continue on. All in all, a delight. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (25)

So What If It's Not the Real Rio De Janeiro?
Maybe it's not the "real" Rio, but it's certainly the one tourists with American dollars are interested in, and so that works for me! I thought this was a good film. It reminded me of the Stanley Donen film, "Charade" with Antonio Fagundes a Brazilian Cary Grant, and while Amy is no Audrey, their chemistry was superb. The young soccer star's character was hilarious. Cinematography is vibrant, like that in the movie "Frida". The music is out-of-this-world. The whole thing is like a delicious meal with yellow corn tortillas, red tomatoes green chilies on a blue stoneware plate: visually and physically satisfying. Closed captioning doesn't get in the way for a change; in fact, there are passages where CC and subtitling work together well, because the languages interchange frequently. Students of Portuguese like me who are not used to hearing the spoken language will learn a lot from this movie.

A major annoyance: during the audio commentary by husband and wife Amy Irving and Bruno Barreto, the movie's audio track goes out of sync with the video track. This irritated me a lot, and this quality glitch loses it a star. The main movie track was fine.

Look for young Max Spielberg and his brother Gabriel Barreto for a cameo. In the meantime, I'm going to see if Amazon.com has this soundtrack!

The Charm and Beauty of Rio and Bossa
"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!

Rio As It Should Be
I was an English teacher in Brazil so this film resonated with me-how I wish I could have afforded a large apartment in Arpoador!

The film is a classic romantic comedy in the American style, which is the only quibble I had with it. It seemed to me that they were explicitly trying to appeal to the American market and that left me feeling that there was something dishonest at the core of the film.

Nevertheless, taken on its own terms it is very pleasant with characters one can easily identify with. Its view of Rio, as a city reminiscent of Honolulu, is laugh-inducing to anyone who has lived there but still serves the film well. When the soccer player left his brand new expensive sports car in the street, without a brigade of bodyguards to watch over it, I gasped involuntarily but soon got over it.

I sound critical of Rio but really I loved it and this film evokes the best of it without getting bogged down in irrelavant social commentary.

A different kind of Brazilian movie
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.

Carioca Life
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! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great Film, Excellent Surprise.
My girlfriend found this movie in a used film/CD store in Denver. She knew this film had been nominated for an academy award a few years ago. It was snowy and cold so we decided to stay home and watch it. It is great, really good. It gives us a shocking view of what was going on in Latin America, a story that was never told here in the US. I never heard of this episode, and the movie made me research more about it. It made me proud of our ambassador, a corageous, brave, yet vulnerable man while in captivity, and on the other hand made me ashamed to know that my country was supporting all that repression in Brazil. Besides, that Claudia Abreu chick is HOT!!! Impressive acting by Arkin and the Brazilian actors.

An intelligent and moving historical drama
Brazil, 1969. The country is under the control of an oppressive military regime. A group of idealistic students join an underground revolutionary group in protest. Out of this climate of paranoia and violence, a bold plan is conceived: a plot to kidnap the U.S. ambassador to Brazil. This true story forms the basis for the excellent film "Four Days in September," directed by Bruno Barreto.

I have seen many historical films, and this is one of the best. There are no cardboard heroes or villains in this film; there are lots of moral shades of gray. Are these students terrorists or freedom fighters? Is the ambassador an innocent victim, or an ally of oppressive forces?

Leopoldo Serran's intelligent script is based on Fernando Gabeira's book "O Que E Isso, Companhiero?" The dialogue offers thought-provoking insights into the minds of the individuals involved in these events. The cast gives universally superb performances; particularly impressive is veteran U.S. actor Alan Arkin as Ambassador Charles Elbrick. The film as a whole is well complemented by a memorable musical soundtrack. Barreto's direction is both suspenseful and sensitive. Whether you are interested in Latin American history or just enjoy a well-made drama, I highly recommend this film.

Echoes of today
Seeing this film at this moment in history is instructive. Issues of repression, coups d'etat, torture of prisoners, radical extremists - it all rings very "current." The story of Brazil's military coup was sadly ignored in this country, and in these times, we should all be watching carefully.

It is a fine and complex film, highly recommended.

A great movie in spite of some minor inaccuracies
This movie faced a lot of criticism in Brazil for the liberties it took with history. Some criticism dates back to the publication of Fernando Gabeira's book, mainly the fact that Gabeira's importance in the kidnapping is overplayed. Other survivors from the operation claim he did not write the note to the press, as the movie shows. Also, a girl did try to get information from the Ambassador's security man, but she did not spend the night with him (and those who like to spot errors may notice the fact that he calls her by her code name, René, even though she introduced herself by a different name). And one just has to read other books about those days in Brazil to realize most torturers were sick animals, not guilt-ridden human beings like the guy in the movie.

In spite of all these flaws, the movie still works admirably as a snapshot of an era. I understand it was rather easy to sell this movie to the international market because Alan Arkin is in it and the event it is based on involved the kidnapping of an American ambassador. But it would be great if people all over the world could also see another movie titled "Pra Frente Brasil". The story is fictitious but inspired by actual facts: while the 1970 World Cup is taking place and the whole Brazilian population is glued to television sets, a guy is captured by mistake and tortured to death by the police. Brazil won that World Cup, so the whole country was in a celebratory mood while the horrors of repression were happening in the underground.

Sticks with you
I saw "Four Days in September" when in came out in U.S. theaters in 1999. It has stuck with me since then, mostly because of Alan Arkin's fabulous performance as Ambassador Charles Embrick. But, also, because of the way the film brings to light for its audience what life was like in Brazil during the miltary dictatorship of 1969 - 1979. And, because of its very understated manner of showing you how this small, underground group of anti-regimists coalesced, got its training, and put its thoughts into actions. It all feels very real. No Hollywood-ization here.

If you want an entertaining *and* eductional evening, rent or buy "Four Days in September." You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Drama cop
Drama: An undercover New York City cop must deal with his troubled partner and an investigation into his ties with the mob while investigating the rape and beating of a nun good plot good cast

Movie based 5% on true events.
This movie was 95% fiction. All the shootings never happened,including the Mafia guys and girl friend. About the only thing that was close to real was the nun incident and yet that too,was a bit embellished. Movie makers should do their homework and find other cop stories that need no make-believe script.

HAIKU MOVIE REVIEW:
Better read the book. Real Bo better than Baldwin. But Balwin not bad

Baldwin not bad
HAIKU MOVIE REVIEW: Better read the book. Real Bo better than Baldwin. But Balwin not bad. ... Read more

Description

Inspired by a true story, A SHOW OF FORCE follows a TV reporter's investigation into the brutal and suspicious deaths of two young Puerto Rican nationalists. The government claims the victims were terrorists, while some believe them to be student activists.It's up to this crusading reporter to find the truth despite threats to her own life. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Interesting Fact Based Thriller
Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" was based on the scandalous Cerro Maravilla incident that rocked Puerto Rican politics in 1978. On July 25, 1978, two young independence-seekers were ambushed by island police and murdered in cold blood near Cerro Maravilla. Police reports claim that the activists were trying to sabotage a radio transmitter to air pro-independence messages throughout the island, however after a serious investigation by the Puerto Rican government, it was discovered that this was a planned murder sponsored by the governor at the time, Carlos Romero Barcelo, and members in his pro-statehood administration.

The scandal which left a major mark on the dirtiness of Puerto Rican politics, helped paved the way to Barcelo's defeat by pro-Commonwealth governor, Rafael Hernandez Colon, and destroyed the statehood party's reputation forever.

This film, directed by Brazilian director, Bruno Bareto, stars Amy Irving, as Kate, an investigative reporter working for a local newspaper. After uncovering the truth behind the massive cover-up by the governor, Kate is determined to uncover the truth even more so than before. However, danger lurks around, as both FBI and the governor's allies monitor her moves.

Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" is partly-fictional, however it does open the viewer's eyes that injustice, oppression, and corruption can exist even in a democratic free country as the United States. Although some of the film seems to be outdated and/or inaccurate (clothes, economic development, etc..) other parts of the film remain interesting enough to retain the viewer in a suspenseful state.

Amy Irving, who later married Bareto (after her divorce from Stephen Spielberg, she began filming in Puerto Rico) is an excellent actress, and her role is believable. Lou Diamond Phillips is excellent as a villain you will love to hate, and Andy Garcia's role is indeed a "glorified cameo". While the film ends on a different note (the film has Kate capturing the police chief's confession on tape, when in fact it took more than 15 years of senate hearings and investigations by human rights groups to finally reveal the truth about the cover-up) the film will allow many who have little or no knowledge about Puerto Rico's complex colonial situation with the United States to gain a broader understanding.

Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and neighboring suburbs, this film should be watched by all who support human rights throughout the world.

Kinda corny...
The only thing that actually made this movie watchable was that Kevin Spacey was in it. Any movie he's in is watchable. The plot is cheesy, and there are about 50 million other movies like it, but if you're a Spacey fan, go for it. Lou Diamond and Irving fans could probably watch this too.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY
Shots shatter the silence a top a foggy mountain in the tropical island, as the two dead bodies fall to the ground...Government conspiracy, political cover up, spies and corruption are the ingredients of this film based on the true story of the events that happened back in the 70'S, about the murder of two puertorrican students that were in favor of Puerto Rico's independence, in a time where people who favored this political view were being black listed and harrassed, by the government.One of the students was the son of a well known writer. Having been in Puerto Rico when all of this took place,and when the movie was shown in theaters there, I have to say that this movie is only a brief portrayal of the much more complex true story.The film is based on the book Murder under two flags, by Anne Nelson. Interesting to watch , even with it's geographical and cultural inaccuracies. In one scene, we see the students taking a cab to the Cerro Maravilla which is deep in the country side, however the cab is going in the wrong direction towards Old San Juan( Old San juan sits in a peninsula/island conected to the larger island by one bridge, which they had left behind). Also, they show the locals wearing clothes from the 40's, and make the island look like a banana republic which I thought was ridiculous. They show old trucks hauling chickens, people wearing straw hats, and a third world kind of atmosphere that even for that time, is inaccurate. Andy Garcia wears a hat, and dresses like Orvil Reddenbucker, bow tie and all! Needless to say we all laughed outloud in the theater,it was insulting and funny at the same time. The real life Rivera Cruz-the prosecutor- actually wore designer suits, and no hat! I guess Hollywood will never let a latin american country be shown as a modern city with well dressed,clean cut, educated people. We need Latin directors and producers who know the culture, to start pointing out this things to the big studios, because the people who do the research on culture for set and fashion design are way off, believe me,I know, I'm puertorrican, born and raised. The director, Bruno Barreto, is brazilian, and probably meant well by trying to show us a 70's Puerto Rico.Next time they should first contact the Instituto de cultura de Puertorriqueño(Cultural institute of Puerto Rico)and they gladly will provide the historical and cultural background needed for this type of movie. The movie is good although I didn't like the ending, it was too cliché. The movie features great puertorrican actors like, Tony Chiroldes, Michelle Corbiere, and Claribel Medina to name a few. These three are fully bilingual and I wonder why they haven't appear in more films, because I know there is a shortage of well train bilingual spanish/english speaking actors in the industry.All in all is a movie that shouldn't be missed. I bought it. ... Read more