When a famous Hollywood film studio decided to make an animation film called 'Rio', they probably didn't have people like me specifically in mind, who greatly miss the flamboyant scenery and atmosphere of this city (and country), but it was of course a great pleasure to watch! Taking a 3D ride through Copacabana and Ipanema, Lapa, flying (together with the birds, the principal characters of the movie) past Christ the Redeemer, and even speeding it away up and down a favela on a motorbike... it brought back so many memories of this city! I've written about Rio on several occasions already, but with the movie out and slamming, I thought I would briefly write about some impressions once again. And thanks to the Brazilian director of 'Rio', though clearly aimed for a large mainstream international audience, the film still to a large extent has an unmistakable Brazilian spirit. Oba!
When I arrived in Brazil, I was probably just as lost and disoriented as Blu (the bird in the movie) and his owner when they came to Rio de Janeiro... haha. But with such breath-taking views and up-beat Brazilian tempers around, how do you not warm up to the Brazilian spirit? (In both my case and that in the movie.. not that I am trying to draw parallels here or anything! ;-))
For one, I thought it was awesome that the film takes the viewer around the city, from the glistening Ipanema beach to the favela, and from the Christ figure to the world-famous Carnaval parade (of course! haha). And the 3D animated images of the city were so life-like! Three cheers to the modern animation technology! And naturally, it makes you want to go back. Now, right after the movie! Haha. Mmm, the animated evening image of the view of the Ipanema bay with Sugar Loaf Mountain in the center seen from the slopes of the favela will stay with me for a while, I think. Just as the real memories of seeing these contradictory features of the city will, of course. And not to mention going up the favela on a motorbike! Just as we did, when the scene in the film came up, I was like, no way did they actually include that in the movie. How awesome :)
And the música! I've written about my love for Brazillian music on my blog before, so you can imagine my thrill. It was a little funny to hear some of the samba songs in English, but it still had lots of great up-beat music... anyone ever thought of having a dance-in movie? (You know, instead of a drive-in, hahaha). Because I would totally be dancing it out to this one. Together with the super-cool funky Rio birds. Vumbora!
Of course, the popularity of Rio and Brazil in general will continue and keep growing as we draw nearer the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Until that time (which I will hopefully spend in Brazil for both occasions, hehe), there might be several more such delicious reminders for me of my (first) experience in Brazil. I sure look forward to it!
Together with some lovely ladies in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, LapaWell, that's just about it for my observations for the moment. Just wanted to share some personal thoughts inspired by seeing the movie. But I figured I won't bore you with a long text this time ;-)
Beijo!
