Miriam Pires Movies

An elderly man living in a seaside community in Rio recalls the story of his life in this gentle comedy drama. Alberto (Marco Nanini) is a man about to turn 90, and as his birthday (and the attendant party planned by his friends and family) looms closer, Alberto finds himself looking back on the remarkable and curious events of his life. With his friends at his side, Alberto recalls the history of his village, his discovery by his adopted parents as an infant foundling, losing his virginity in a local brothel, some disastrous experiences during the war, and his long and only periodically eventful life at home. While his life with his friends and family confirm that in his own quiet way Alberto has led a charmed life, he has a rather dramatic surprise in store for the attendees at his birthday celebration. Copacabana received its North American premier at the 2003 Santa Barbara Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Political prisoner Valentin Arregui (Raul Julia) and homosexual pederast Luis Molina (William Hurt) share a Brazilian prison cell in this fantastical drama from the book by Manuel Puig. Sensitive and flamboyant, Molina helps pass the time by recounting memories from one of his favorite films, a wartime romantic thriller that just may also be a Nazi propaganda film. He weaves the characters into an ongoing narrative meant to spur Valentin's imagination and distract him from the brutal realities of political imprisonment and separation from the woman he loves. Hard around the edges, and willing to die for his political principles, Valentin nonetheless allows Molina to penetrate some of his defensive shell. An odd friendship forms between the two vastly different prisoners, the dreamer and the activist. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Valentin is being poisoned by his captors, to compel him to reveal names and secrets, and that Molina may have other agendas that belie his honesty and openness with Valentin. The intense character study builds toward a surprising conclusion. Kiss of the Spider Woman received Oscar nominations for best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay, and Hurt took home the best actor trophy for his portrayal of the soulful and conflicted Molina. The film was later adapted into a Broadway musical. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide

This drama examines the emotional undercurrents experienced by a German family which, having immigrated to southern Brazil, becomes involved in the politics and intrigues of the region in the pre-World War II period. Because of the presence of a large German population in the region, a pro-Nazi movement surfaces. These scenes are taken in part from the life experiences of the film's director, Silvio Back. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide