July 24, 2013 - "Found Memories" (2011)

Found Memories, 2011
Director: Júlia Murat
Origin: Brazil | Argentina | France
Language: Portuguese
Running time: 98 minutes

Life in a quiet village rolls slowly from one day to the next with little excitement -- until a young photographer named Rita arrives. Intent on capturing the town on film, Rita forms a profound bond with Madalena, an elderly baker. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $7,489
Watch the trailer on YouTube.

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Review of last week's film ("Be With Me", 4 stars)
Steven says: There are three stories and there are three themes -- communication, love, and Theresa Chan (though she embodies the other two). Chan's story is terrific (in an inspiring sense), and her scenes, especially the final one, speak to her grace and her ability to overcome great challenges. All the senses are engaged, even if only through the actor's experiences. This is a real treat (though the editing can be seen as clunky at times).

June 26, 2013 - "Alice's House" (2007)

Alice's House, 2007
Director: Chico Teixeira
Origin: Brazil
Language: Portuguese
Running time: 92 minutes

Manicurist Alice (Carla Ribas) is the dutiful center of a crowded Sao Paolo apartment that includes her oafish cabbie husband (Zecarlos Machado), her put-upon mother (Berta Zemel) and her three sons. Life's tiny dramas rule the home until an innocent flirtation yields huge consequences. Brazilian director Chico Teixeira's affecting first feature was an official selection at the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $61,678
Watch the trailer on Netflix.
Rating: Equivalent to PG-13 in Brazil and Portugal

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Rating of last week's film ("The Well-Digger's Daughter", 3.5 stars)Steven says: A beautifully set movie (Provence, France is gorgeous!) with great acting. The story leans toward the melodramatic, with strong reminders of what was acceptable in 1910s French society and how far we've come.