Costinha Movies

This experimental Brazilian film offers a tuneful, decidedly unique look at the life of Brazil's first recording artist Mario Reis, who was well loved for making his music accessible to audiences from every social stratum. Reis also discovered some of his country's most popular singers including Noel Rosa Ismael Silva and composers such as Tom Jobim and Hector Villa-Lobos. The film playfully unfolds like a fractured music video feature many kitschy images interspersed with actual performances. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

More than one critic noted that the real star of the Portuguese Cantiga da Rua was the city of Lisbon. This isn't to say that the film was a mere travelogue; still, the film will appeal most to moviegoers desiring far-away places with strange-sounding names. Heading the cast is Alberto Ribeiro, a brilliant Portuguese tenor who in 1950 was on the road to international stardom. Cast as a carefree vagabond, Ribeiro brings a little sunshine into the lives of everyone he meets, especially leading lady Deolinda Rodrigues. The dramatic weight of the film is handled by Augusto Fraga, a real-life journalist making his acting debut. Comedy is provided by regional favorites Costinha and Santos Carvalho. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide