Aquarius (Brazil, 2016, 145min)
Dir. Klever Mendonça Filho
Friday, November 18, 2016, 7:30pm
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 7:15pm
Monday, November 21, 2016, 5:45pm
Tuesday, November 22, 2016, 8pm
Wednesday, November 23, 2016, 5:50pm
Friday, November 25, 2016, 1pm
Tuesday, November 29, 2016, 8:15pm
Thursday, December 1, 2016, 8pm
Friday, December 30, 2016, 7pm
Vancouver International Centre, 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3M7 Canada
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In Portuguese with English subtitles
Brazilian screen legend Sonia Braga gives one of the performances of the year in this topical and inspiring drama about the last hold-out in a Recife beachfront apartment building earmarked for redevelopment.
Retired music journalist Clara (Braga) has lived there for decades – it’s where her children grew up, and everywhere she looks is laden with memories and meaning. Still, her obdurate refusal to negotiate with the developers leaves some to question her sanity. If money and persuasion won’t do the trick, perhaps there are other methods to make her move…?
Superbly directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho (Neighbouring Sounds), Aquarius is a film about place, personality and politics, all firmly intertwined in Braga’s formidable presence. Few films construct such a rich, complex portrait of what it means to be alone as a woman in your sixties. Meanwhile Vancouverites will surely recognize how commercial redevelopment steamrolls over all objections. And, as we witness Clara’s staunch refusal to abandon the past, we’re left to question our collective propensity for callously cashing in on the places—and, by extension, the people, events and values—that have shaped our very identities.
“Marvellous and surprising… a captivating film, an experience well worth seeking out.” AO Scott, New York Times
“A career-defining performance by the great Sônia Braga – weathered, proud, sensuous, fragile – captivates and brings us into her world.” Bilge Ebiri, Village Voice
“Sonia Braga gives the performance of her long, storied career.” Mike D’Angelo, AV Club