The plot of "Menino do Rio" might sound very typical for a summer movie with all the needed basic elements destined to attract audiences. Watching it, however, is something different that stays with you for a while and it's destine to please many viewers out there (I'm just not
sure why it hasn't much after all the years. And I must admit that had some bias over it, thinking it would be painfully predictable. I was
wronged as the film progressed to a quieter way, very positive and controlled with everything it had to show, that even the cliches were
interesting to watch.
It follows the title character, hot body blonded surfer Valente (André De Biase), who basically follows the description of Caetano Veloso
song whose lyrics were inspired by the late surfer Petit. Valente and his friends have memorable good times together, and some
adventures in the beaches of Rio. He surfs, flies from hand-glinding, healths healthy and discovers the love of his life when he meets a
wealthy girl (Cláudia Magno), who happens to be promised to wed a rich dude (Ricardo Zambelli). Along with this storyline, Valente befriends the
poor teenager Pepeu (Ricardo Graça Mello) who fled from home and wants to become a surfer.
There's adventures, humor, love fights, a fun pop/rock soundtrack of the 1980's with Nelson Motta and Lulu Santos compositions, great surfing
and glinding sequels (the one that opens the movie was amazingly beautiful) and the typical
adventures of youth. But it all goes in such a whimsical way where nothing's too dramatic or tragic in their daily routine that it feels very dreamy.
Everything goes by in such a fine manner that you feel zen, relaxed and just enjoy the moment. Obvious that there are conflicts between the characters,
and it goes into a sad note very later (could have go without it, though), but those youngsters manage to solve their problems in a great manner,
that you almost believe that life could be like that (maybe it is for a little while). It certainly sells the idea of a well-built tribe who finds
ways of helping each other, be receptive of others and enjoy youth and life in the best possible way. Just love matters that are a little complicated.
Antonio Calmon delivered a very enthusiastic film, with a very enjoyable cast and the result was so positive that a sequel was granted,
"Garota Dourada", which is slightly inferior but fun to watch as well. Nostalgic 80's fans or ones who haven't got the chance to see Brazilian films
from the period have a full experience with this one. 9/10.
