The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Yes this is not a "deep" movie, but it made me feel good! It shows the beautiful side of Rio, the spontaneous optimism of Cariocas in very beautiful visuals on screen. It is very funny and touching at times, covering several lives and relationships between Gringoes and Cariocas. A Gringoe that escaped to Rio and made a new life, a famous Soccer player getting ready to leave his beloved Rio, a Carioca couple going through a rough patch and a Carioca in love with her online Gringoe. I feel the happiness they feel about life even though they deal with death, betrayal, loss... It makes you feel good about this life we all live, even if it does not show the "bad" side of Rio. If you want to escape into a modern Hollywood version of a Gringoe in Rio interacting with Cariocas, this is it!

I've had this video in my armoire for many months and finally got around to watching it last night. What a complete delight it was! Quirky, interesting, sweet-natured. As a middle-aged single I particularly enjoyed the romantic plot strand involving two people of my vintage. Amy Irving is incandescent as always. This movie has a wonderfully European (okay, Brazilian) feel and sensibility. Not the usual canned Hollywood fare.

Simply beautiful. Great landscape of Rio. Each shot has more than tv commercial quality. Very rich and crispy images. Must see if you like to feel Latin. This is comedy. This is drama. Pedro Paulo, the lawyer takes his father's divorce case and fall in love with his English teacher Mary Ann. Shows escape from marriage through two generations. Isn't it fun or what.

Although I saw it alone, it made me wish I were on a date. First of all, I've always been a lover of Brazilian music, and this movie is chock full of it, with a heavy emphasis on Antonio Carlos ("Tom") Jobim.It's not another *Gone with the Wind* or *Casablanca*, but who can resist the blue sky and water of Rio de Janeiro, with Sugarloaf Mountain looming over the city and the azure sea? This all might have been wasted if the cinematography Hollywood competent, which it is. It made me want to move to Brazil at the first possible opportunity.The story is comic and tragic at the same time. Amy Irving is delightful. The rest of the cast is generally more than competent.All in all, it was 2 hours very well spent.