Did you people see the same film I saw?

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Three of the best Brazilian actors of their generation help make this film an enjoyable way to spend two hours. Although Dóris (Irene Ravache) is well into her fifties or early sixties she is still an attractive woman, made more so by her constant good humor. Also a great cook, she decides to make some money and get company by providing meals to neighbors. Two of her most faithful clients are Freitas (Lima Duarte) and Otávio (Marco Caruso). Freitas is more outgoing and reckless, while Otávio plays a careful and shy gentleman, but both fall equally for Dóris and try their best to win her. The film discusses issues such as: what is the right balance between living in the past and running away from it; can friendship survive rivalry in love and can one regret earlier choices and still find happiness. It was good to see a Brazilian film not shot in Rio for a change. Belo Horizonte is a big town that still keeps a provincial feeling about it, and there are some beautiful scenes shot on its surrounding mountains.