Antonia Review
[ Four Stars ]
Dir. Tata Amaral. 2006. PG-13. 90mins. In Portuguese, with subtitles. Negra Li, Cindy Mendes, Leilah Moreno.
Tata Amaral’s third film romantically chronicles a female rap quartet’s search for showbiz success in the outskirts of São Paulo. Led by the defiant Preta (Li), these lullaby-delivering, Brazilian hip-hop divas-in-the-making provide ample warm and fuzzies through solid amateur performances until relationship drama, jail time and a couple of murders dare to divide the childhood BFFs. Visually vibrant, this memorable movie gratifies with fresh, modern girl power. (Opens Fri; see Now Playing for venues.) — Cherie Dennis
Antonia Review
This understated drama from Brazil tracks the progress of an endearing all-girl band of performers as they struggle to make a name for themselves in poverty-stricken crime-ridden Sal Paulo. Dreamgirls it isn’t, and that’s for the better: The way these four women tackle the obstacles they face and the gentle tack taken by director Tata Amaral make for an easygoing, enjoyable ride, if one that isn’t particularly memorable after the fact. (1 hr. 30 mins.; PG-13) Opens 9/21.
Antonia Review
This is a musically powerful film with a non-scripted dialogue that I found to be uniquely made well. Negra Li (Preta) who is the queen of Brazilian rap has a screen presence that is sensational. The three other ladies who are gifted singers are magnificent as screen actors. The plot is predictable, but overwhelmingly sensitive and emotionally moving. — Gerald Wright