I just last night saw "Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus" (called "Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures" in English). It's an amazing story of a man who flees Nazi Germany and moves to Brazil, where he shows movies to the inhabitants of a destitute village in the northeast of the country and also gives them aspirin, thereby bringing them a new hope.

I like how the movie not only develops the characters, but also shows world events affecting everyone's lives, as Brazil declares war on Germany and it becomes hard for the man to sell the German-produced aspirin. Looking very amateur, the movie has a particularly realistic feeling; the desert setting might even make you feel like you're sweating as the characters do. But overall, the movie's a wonderful look at life and how we make decisions about our directions. As they say in one scene: "With this, you could sell the Devil a Bible!" All in all, a very good movie.

In 1942, the lonely German Johann (Peter Ketnath) travels through the arid roads in the country of the Northeast of Brazil in his truck selling aspirins in small villages, using advertisement movies to promote the medicine. He meets the drifter Ranulpho (João Miguel),who intends to go to Rio de Janeiro seeking a better life, and gives a ride to the man. While traveling together, they develop a close friendship, but on 31 August 1942, Brazil declares war to Germany and Johann has to decide if he should return to his home country and fight in the war, or stay in Brazil in a concentration camp; but the option of moving to Amazonas with the migrants of the drought seems to be feasible.

"Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus" is a simple, realistic and pleasant tale of friendship. This road-movie has a story based on the performances of Peter Ketnath and mainly of João Miguel, whose character has some excellent lines, associated to a sharp screenplay and precise direction. I love Brazilian movies, but the indication of this good movie to a nomination to the Oscar seems much exaggerated to me. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus" ("Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures")

"Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus" is Brazil's official entry for the 2007 Academy Awards Foreign Language Film competition.

It will probably not win, for it is too arty for the Oscars taste (it won a special prize at the Cannes Film Festival),but it definitely deserves a nomination.

Beyond its apparent simplicity, you will discover an overwhelming tale of friendship, with very decent performances (specially by João Miguel) and exquisite cinematography.

A must see for everyone who appreciates good cinema!

P.s: I also recommend another new Brazilian gem - O Ano em Que Meus Pais Saíram de Férias (2006)