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| Movie Review: The Year My Parents Went on Vacation Alternate Title: It Takes a Village
Story: When you are 12 years
old it is impossible to understand the complexities of a military dictatorship
or the sudden 'disappearance' of adults that you know. It is especially
hard when, at the same time, your home country, Brazil, is going to
the 1970 World Cup. Young Mauro's politically active parents fear for
their safety and drop Mauro at his grandfather's while they go 'on vacation'.
Unbeknownst to the parents, the grandfather died the very day they drop
him off. Mauro is taken in by Schlomo and eventually the entire small
Jewish community in Sao Paolo. Director Cao Hamburger does
a wonderfully warm detailed job depicting the day to day lives of this
diverse community. Hamburger's personal life is resonated throughout
this tale of exile, alienation, community and family. The coming of
age tale is warm, funny, deadly serious and will draw you into its heart.
The international language of soccer brings all of these communities
together in this film that mixes politics and tenderness together. Goooooooooooal! Acting: First time actor Michel Joelsas
as Mauro is simply wonderful. Young Hanna played by Daniela
Piepszyk has a face that you want to pinch. Shlomo is played
by Germano Haiut perfectly. The rest of this diverse
cast adds to the charm of the film. Predilection: None Critters: One guard dog
Food: Lots and lots of food. It is a Jewish community,
no?
Sex Spectrum: No time for sex - just for soccer.
Soundtrack: A nice range of ethnic music.
Visual Art: Attention to detail was great including
the art and photos in all of the apartments.
Theater Audience: One young man in the first row
and me.
Weather: It is summer in Sao Paolo.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Military dictatorships are brutal.
While the film does not focus on this - the fear factor is present.
Drift Factor: It could have been shortened by about
15 minutes.
Predictability Level: Moderate
Tissue Usage: I admit to some welling at the end.
Oscar Worthy: It was entered but did not get a nod.
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: A bit under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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