This film based on the album by Chico Buarque (Brazil's most legendary rock/popular music composer since the 70's) meets and exceeds any expectations based on its origins. The beautiful music is performed (choreographed, sung, danced, and acted out) by some of Brazil's greatest artistic treasures including Elba Ramalho and Chico Buarque himself. Big name stars Edson Celulari, Claudia Ohana, and Ney Latorraca provide the looks, glamour, and are dubbed for optimal effect..........................................................OPERA DO MALANDRO is a period piece, set in wild Rio de Janeiro in the early 40's. Its art direction, costumes, and period details are to be commended. The "opera" ultimately is about the life of a typical "malandro", a fixture of Rio and urban Brazilian society as ubiquitous as the American Mafia mobster. The Brazilian version is considerably more human and vulnerable, and more of a lady's man, "cool" stud, and smooth talker. This portrait of the "Malandro" is vividly and colorfully portrayed in this pleasant movie, pretty to watch, hear, and enjoy.
