I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

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.

For those who enjoy a soap opera, Brazil is fertile ground, as the overwhelming majority of general TV channels in the country transmit, on average, four soap operas daily. Invariably, much of this material eventually goes around the world, being bought and broadcast in other countries. One of the most permeable markets for Brazilian teledramaturgy is, of course, my country, due to its cultural and linguistic proximity. I watched "Avenida Brasil" twice, the first when it debuted in Portugal around 2012, and the second was about six months ago when it was reprised.The plot follows the path of Rita, a girl who saw her father die because of her stepmother, the cruel Carminha, who later used the mourning to win the heart of former footballer Jorge Tufão and become a millionaire. With her childhood ruined by the pain and difficulties of orphan life, Rita was adopted by an Argentine family but returned years later to take revenge on Carminha and make her pay for her crimes. The story has obvious similarities to Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" and is very good to watch. There are also several humorous moments to lighten the environment. Débora Falabella is the heroine and does a good dramatic performance, in particular with the great villain, played by Adriana Esteves. This talented actress was truly capable of creating a character worthy of our hatred. Murilo Benício was very well in the role of the former footballer, of good nature and meek temperament. Equally notable were the appearances of Marcello Novaes, Eliane Giardini, Alexandre Borges, Marcos Caruso, Cauã Reymond and Nathalia Dill. Considered one of the most successful soap operas in Brazil, it is undoubtedly a must for lovers of this TV genre.

Sometimes it's hard to keep a strong story through so long. It usually become boring and always the same, but in this story you'll be always surprised. In the beginning it's very clear that the story is full of secrets, lies, etc. That will be the key for the story to have always something different to develop. The dark past will also be one of the most important thing in the story, because it will always return to try to explain why the things are like that in the present.The actors will be other of the most important things, because their performance will gave credibility to the story, and will be an extraordinary complement for it. For the other hand, I have to highlight the production, that will gave to the story the awesome scenery, and also for the cameramen who did an awesome job with the shots. The soundtrack, which was created exclusively for the soap opera, as good as the film ones.In summary, as much the story, like the actor and also the production were essential to make this strong soap opera, which will keep you always expecting what will happen, and surprising you about the dark past of many characters. You won't imagine how will everything end. Definitely, a masterpiece.