If you are not prepared for something completely different, the movie can become tedious rather quickly.
No, the film has nothing to do with Brazil, the country, except in roundabout ways like the theme music, the correlation with Brazilian dictatorships, and perhaps the idea that people will continue to persevere in spite of their hardships. As my wife said, no matter what one's dreams are, they will carry you through. It is a sweet idea in a grim universe.
For me, the film is endlessly inventive and its visuals a joy to watch. Unfortunately, for some viewers that very ingenuity may well be its downfall. The gimmickry may quickly wear out its welcome, and the plot may be all too obscure or, in some instances, all too predictable. If the film's eccentric style can become tiring over the long haul of 141 minutes (ten minutes longer than indicated on the box), I have to admit that after seeing it three or four times I still find it fascinating.
Video, Audio, and Extras:
Certainly, in widescreen I now have the opportunity of seeing much that I missed the first times around. And on DVD, with its increased image clarity and detail, there is surely a lot to see, even if the non-anamorphic transfer could use some work. The sound, too, is improved, with plenty of stereo spread, wide dynamics, and deep bass in Dolby Surround, plus a realistic ambiance from the rear speakers. And what extras?
Parting Thoughts:
Gilliam may have intended "Brazil" only as an entertainment, but there are more good messages in it than I have found in a shipload of other satiric films put together. Watch it again and again, and you'll see what I mean
For me, the film is endlessly inventive and its visuals a joy to watch. Unfortunately, for some viewers that very ingenuity may well be its downfall. The gimmickry may quickly wear out its welcome, and the plot may be all too obscure or, in some instances, all too predictable. If the film's eccentric style can become tiring over the long haul of 141 minutes (ten minutes longer than indicated on the box), I have to admit that after seeing it three or four times I still find it fascinating.
Video, Audio, and Extras:
Certainly, in widescreen I now have the opportunity of seeing much that I missed the first times around. And on DVD, with its increased image clarity and detail, there is surely a lot to see, even if the non-anamorphic transfer could use some work. The sound, too, is improved, with plenty of stereo spread, wide dynamics, and deep bass in Dolby Surround, plus a realistic ambiance from the rear speakers. And what extras?
Parting Thoughts:
Gilliam may have intended "Brazil" only as an entertainment, but there are more good messages in it than I have found in a shipload of other satiric films put together. Watch it again and again, and you'll see what I mean
Average user rating (1-5):
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