Aventuras de um Paraíba

The film has a simple and loose story about the (mostly sexual) adventures of a poor Northeastern in Rio de Janeiro, his forbidden love with a blind woman, and his old friendship with a black guy who also migrated to the not always "marvel town". Sexploitation with prejudices (against blacks, gays and Northeasterns), recurrent in Brazilian cinema those years, appear along the movie. Surprisingly, together with these problems, there is also sort of social and political concern (on poverty, unemployment, police violence against workers, lack of opportunities, police involvement with organized crime), and it may be observed that there was still a military dictatorship (coming to its end) in Brazil in 1982. Although full of drawbacks, the film amuses and is above average in Brazilian filmography in early 80's. Elements of the culture in Rio de Janeiro (besides the beautiful landscapes) have been highlighted, such as Flamengo fanbase, carnival, bath on the beach, and a particular way of yelling dirty words. All the carnival action scene was nice. I just cannot understand how an excellent actor such as Chico Diaz had such a tiny role.