I need to begin by mentioning the recent Russian film 'Durak', also known as 'The Fool' in English. Around the same time, another Russian film, 'Leviathan,' received an Oscar nomination. Both of those films highlighted not only corruption but also the dangers that ordinary people face. Standing up for what’s right against injustice remains difficult in a country like that. Here is the Brazilian version of that concept. It isn't quite as impactful. I mean the intensity of events and how everything unfolds. Nevertheless, it addresses the same core issue on a different continent. The film was involved in several controversies, including being excluded from the Oscars race. However, it generally received positive feedback. I didn’t find any significant problems with it; I thought it became an unfortunate casualty, possibly due to those involved and their connections to powerful people. It's not a masterpiece, but I consider it a good film—a message movie, though perhaps not for everyone. It’s particularly suitable for adults because of a reason I will explain later. The story centers on Clara, a 65-year-old who has had a successful career as a music critic. Now widowed and with her children grown, the film opens on her birthday when friends and family gather to celebrate. She lives alone in a small, beautiful apartment overlooking the beach. However, she’s the last person still living in that old building, as everyone else moved out when developers planned to demolish it and build something modern. She is fighting to preserve this heritage; all of her memories are tied up in it. The developers have other plans for forcing her out, and the rest of the film shows how they proceed and what happens next. > ❝So when you like it, it's 'vintage'. If you don't like it, it's 'old'. Right?❞ The opening scene felt a little disjointed because it didn’t immediately identify the main character. Also, some unusual scenes in the middle might raise questions. These weren't fully developed scenes but glimpses that seemed to take place in the 1970s or something similar. The purpose of those parts wasn’t entirely clear, but I believe they were about longing for better times. The concept of a lone fighter was inspiring. At one point, when everyone around her thought she was making an unnecessary fuss, she remained firm and did what needed to be done. This is one of those films that didn't immediately appeal to me, but it gradually captivated me. Once the focus settled on one particular character, the rest of the story moved forward with its intended message. As I understand it, it wasn’t strictly about corruption, although there was an element of it. It was a fight for what is right—a battle to save the past. On the other hand, those opposing her were willing to take extreme measures to defeat her. That's where the controversy arises—from the questionable tactics used to achieve their goal. A film like this coming from Brazil is truly valuable in educating people who are easily exploited in similar situations. It was a French-Brazilian collaboration. I’m writing this review a few days after seeing it because I wanted time to consider it, scene by scene. The more I recall, the more I appreciate it. I suggest you do the same—don't jump to conclusions immediately after watching, as it might not be what you’ve heard about it. My only issue was the length; 150 minutes felt a bit long, but manageable if you are accustomed to slower films. It was well-written, directed, and acted, and even the location was ideal. However, they could have avoided some of those scenes I earlier described as odd. There were too many, with camera shots from far away in the woods. They felt somewhat disconnected. I’m not opposed to such elements, as they are part of everyday life. But when the film's focus was on a serious issue, these moments seemed like distractions. I emphasize this because a fine film like this should be accessible to all ages, even teenagers. It missed that opportunity. Otherwise, it is a nice drama film that I recommend for adults. _7/10_

Source on TMDB