A fascinating and illuminating bio-pic about superstar Brazilian singer Elis Regina, Elis delves into the personal, professional, and political aspects of the late artist’s life. Considered by many Brazilians to have been the nation’s best singer, Regina is played by Andréia Horta, who is superb in the role. A driven but restless spirit eager to explore during the 1960s-’70s post-bossa nova era of popular music, Regina faces numerous obstacles and humiliations, from sexism in the music industry, to a philandering first husband, to threats from Brazil’s military dictatorship. Director Hugo Prata brings a brisk energy to the film, underscoring the sense of a life rushing to an early finale (Regina died at age 36). Of particular interest is Regina’s gradual embrace of political resistance to dictators and inequality, and adoption of other progressive causes—a nice counterbalance to the way she was forced earlier to cooperate with Brazil’s repressive government. A solid portrait of a complex Brazilian idol, this is recommended. (T. Keogh)
Elis
MVD, 110 min., in Portuguese w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $14.99 Volume 33, Issue 5
Elis
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