Review of Subway to the Stars

This Brazilian French co production from 1987 is one of the masterpieces from acclaimed director Carlos Diegues (BYE, BYE BRAZIL, ORFEU). This may be the best film of his long career, and definitely the best, or one of the best Brazilian dramas of the mid and late 1980s. Brazil made the transition to a democracy in the mid 80s, and this movie explores that transition well, though it's not its central theme by any means. This film is really a social drama about a struggling saxophone player from the suburbs. As a result of his girl friend's disappearance, his ride (he takes a lot of trains, the metro system) through Rio exposes him to things which make him lose his theretofore relative innocence. As such, the film is a fascinating trip through Rio's (mostly under-) world. Cameos/small roles by some of Brazil's best actors enhance the experience, as well as the poignant performances by the young people inhabiting the film. Long available in PAL, it is now also available on NTSC. So the American market, and others on that system can see it. That is those who didn't see it back in 1987 & 88. It did get a pretty wide release as an art film everywhere, I remember. I first saw it then. But now, 13 years later, it is especially appealing to Brazil watchers, as one sees how much has changed there, and how much remains the same. The movie features a great soundtrack by Gilberto Gil, and a couple of performances by famed Brazilian Rock Artist, Cazuza, who died of AIDS, a few years after the film was made.