Bruno Barreto has directed this charming and appealing romance, "Bossa Nova",set in the colorful city of Rio DeJaneiro. Amy Irving (Mary Ann) is an American living there and working as a teacher of English to eager Brazilians. When Antonio Fagundes (Pedro Paulo), an attorney in the process of his own divorce, sees her in an elevator, he enrolls in her course. This is just the beginning of a sweet relationship. The people around them (her best friend, his legal assistant, his father and brother, and an American e-mail pen pal) all become involved in a series of humorous and emotional incidents that will have you smiling. Barreto uses the magical music of Antonio Carlos Jobim to fine effect, as well as the various scenic wonders of Rio. It is a pleasure to see some middle aged characters finding romance and companionship in a contemporary film. Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, and Leonardo DiCaprio notwithstanding, everyone falling in love is not in their 20's and 30's. There is still hope for us all.
Review of Bossa Nova
