Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

What makes it different from others?

Watch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

I expected to watch a movie that depicted, apart from the Romantic and Tragic story of the Maias family, the social life, the city of Lisbon, the houses, streets... you get the point. I have read the book, so I knew what I should expect in those aspects. Boy was I wrong. I don't even think I watched a movie to begin with. I would characterize this more like a theater play. The streets, landscapes and window views were all (I mean ALL) made of what looked like cardboard paintings. It is obvious that the movie had a very, very low budget. On the upside, It had some quality comedy mixed with the drama that goes with the story, however, that doesn't make the movie less painful to watch.