One of my weekend’s highlights was the movie I picked to watch. Adrift had been on my list for a while now – I love director Heitor Dhalia (did you see the amazing O Cheiro do Ralo?) and I think Laura Neiva is the most gorgeous actress we have around here. I read she was scouted through Orkut (yeah, really!) and I was dying to see the result. Not to mention it features Vincent Cassel… Well! A better-late-than-ever” kind of movie!
I LOVED it! So, so, so much… I love this kind of screenplay, without many turnarounds, more like real life. Portraying everyday conflicts. No concealing. Simple. The noble art of relationships… That’s what the movie is about. No rush. Lots of silences. Lots of close-ups. Lots of poetry.
The story is set at Búzios beach, in the 80s, when a family decides to spend their summer there. The father is exquisitely played by French actor Vincent Cassel, the mother is played by Debora Bloch, and they’re the best they can to save their marriage.The children can see things are not going well. The eldest, played by the gorgeous Laura Neiva, ends up entangled with her parents’ drama, mixing up all that information, findings and feelings with all the intensity of her teenage mind, as well as the awakening of her sexuality.
I love the takes Heitor creates. So many beautiful shots. In fact, he picked Laura Neiva just so we could admire her beauty… Wow. Congratulations to her. Through her lines we can see she’s a beginner. That there are some stuff missing… But when we’re left with her gaze and intention… She nails it.
Fantastic soundtrack as well. Cauã and Camilla Belle (also gorgeous, but not like Laura! ;)) are also featured! Pretty great…
If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s my suggestion for a rental, along with some popcorn on your couch!
I definitely enjoyed it!
I ended up by accident at a session of “The Art of Getting By”. I was late for the movie I was planning to see and this was the last available session at the time. Since I always end up watching all kinds of stuff, I went for it. I hadn’t heard anything about the movie, seen the trailers, nothing.
It tells the story of George (Freddie Highmore), a lonely teenager filled with existential melancholy, about to graduate from high school, and Sally (Emma Roberts) a rich, cool, mysterious girl.
I didn’t know any of the actors. Or just couldn’t recall having watched any of their movies. And I loved what I saw. I’m talking about their performances… Simple yet intense. Just right. And the boy is so good… Subtle. Sweet. I just felt like nursing him!
It’s a light, well-written, cute movie. No big deal. It doesn’t stay in your head afterwards. You don’t get to take it home. It doesn’t make you sigh on your way home. But it’s pretty cute. Really. It was a very pleasant pastime. One of those many movies about teenagers looking for a meaning to their lives.
First love, internal conflicts, life purpose… No tears though. Fê Vasconcellos, who was my movie date, didn’t shed a single one. Which doesn’t mean it’s not genuinely touching…
I was touched… Really enjoyed it!
Tell me your thoughts later!
One month ago I published here the ten favorite books of the ten most important fashion editors in Brazil. It was part of the special feature I made with them, remember? So… I rushed to take notes of the ones I hadn’t yet read and Fifty shades of grey was one of them, listed twice. So I bought the book. Then I went to Buenos Aires, then I had to put some stuff together and I only got to start it last Thursday (better late than ever!). And finished it on Saturday. I devoured it. 500 pages in three days.
I’ll start by saying it’s a pretty easy book to read, and a very, very hot one. Enticing. A turn-on, I’d say. If you’ve never finished a book in your life, you should try this one. I lost count of how many friends were totally caught up on it and told me to read it ASAP. Some of them won’t even read magazines. And devoured Fifty Shades. Which means there must be something in there…
It was released in the U.S. in March and sold over 20 million copies there. Huge bestseller. In a single week, 100 thousand copies were sold.
It’s not a literary masterpiece, but, believe me, it will get you wrapped up through all 480 pages. It’s the story of a 21-year-old (virgin!) student who becomes involved with a young, wealthy, extremely rational businessman, with very particular sexual preferences. I won’t dare to say any more than that. The deal is to be surprised along with the leading character. And, boy, there are some surprises!
The author, E. L. James, makes us feel part of all that, like actual insiders. So crazy… For the more uptight ones, (in the best sense of the word!), I must say that the book features some painstakingly described sex scenes, in pretty graphic excerpts. No subtle eroticism. It’s all there. For those who want to read it.
The book comes to an end revealing the first chapter of “Fifty Shades Darker” (the second book of the trilogy!), which leaves us counting the days until its release, expected for September, in Brazil. I feel kind of an orphan. Like my friends, I really got involved with the two characters. The last book, “Fifty Shades Freed”, will be released in November, and the three will be condensed into a movie screenplay (sold for US$ 5 million, o.k.?), so I don’t even need to say how I’m counting the days until the launch, right? It should be out in 2014. Can’t wait…
How about you? Did you read it?
Did you enjoy it?
I loved it!
I had pretty low expectations regarding Meryl Streep’s new movie. I was expecting a sweet blockbuster and that was it. But just having Ms. Streep as the lead makes a movie mandatory to me. It’s by the same director of The Devil Wears Prada. Another reason for me to watch it (I loved what they did together at that time!) yet keeping my expectations low. Anyway… Off I went!
It’s the story of a middle-aged couple from Omaha, which, after 30 years of marriage, no longer seems to have anything in common. While Meryl Streep’s character is trying to fix the marriage, the husband, played by Tommy Lee Jones, thinks it’s all lame. The movie aims for an elderly, middle-class audience. She plays the typical repressed woman, who performs all domestic chores, waiting on her husband while all he does is to watch cable TV without even thinking of his wife’s dissatisfaction. They sleep in separate bedrooms. Barely talk.
She decides to play her last card by spending all her savings in an intensive couple’s therapy treatment. So they take a trip, against the husband’s will. That’s when the movie actually starts. From that moment on, it’s all tricky questions inside a therapist’s office and their process of becoming close again.
Hope Springs features two fantastic actors. I even think it’s more about Tommy Lee Jones than Meryl Streep. He made that tough man more human, playing every embarrassing situation in a very sweet manner. Precise. Truthful. She also masters Kay’s repressed desires. But, you know, she’s the greatest, so it’s not like we haven’t seen much more of her before, right?
Anyway, I thought the film was a bit slow. It’s just the two of them after all. On their day-to-day or in therapy. So it feels a little longer and we kind of know what’s going to happen in the end. No big surprises. I guess the fact that the conflicts are so far from my reality is also a downside. I just thought it was boring. Very boring. That’s it.
Did you see it? Like it?
Choices. Fernando Meirelles’ new movie is entirely built over the choices the characters make and their consequences. It quickly makes us think about the responsibility we have over ourselves. Over how our lives look like right now. If it would have been different if we’d taken this or that path in our past… I always find myself having this kind of thought.
The characters are presented through a delicate cyclic parade of events. It runs through a bunch of languages, of intertwined (or not!) stories into a perfect choreography of beautifully edited images. I enjoyed the editing so much… At some points, two or three scenes are on screen at the same time. Each of them with its conflicts. I really liked that solution…
Representing Brazil we have Maria Flor and Juliano Cazarré (Adauto, I love you!) in amazing performances. I really enjoy when there’s an actual integration. They’re there, as an actual part of everything. Working as a fundamental piece. Never feeling like they don’t belong. Flor is on equal terms with Anthony Hopkins and Ben Foster. Amazing…
Btw, I need a whole paragraph just for Hopkins and Foster. What a spectacle… I went nuts with their work. There are so many scenes and moments I wanted to bring up, but I think I’d ruin the experience of those who haven’t watched it yet…
So, here’s my only suggestion… Go! And get ready to think again and again about choices. The future ones, since the past ones are not worth your energy. Another good lesson the movie brings: the good ol’ judgement. How judgemental we are and hence surprised by our own prejudice towards the characters. That’s another point worth bringing to real life…
Not always the good one succeeds and the bad one fails. Right and wrong are relative concepts… So many reflections…
I want to hear from you… And I end this piece with a quote by Laura, Maria Flor’s character:
“How many chances do we have? We oughta live…”
You’ve probably noticed how much of a foodie I am, right? I suck at cooking (it’s actually on my plans to take a basic course! a friend and I will be engaging in a kitchen adventure soon!) but I’m definitely good at eating!
I love to discover the places I travel through its restaurants. I always do some previous research so I get there with my Moleskine filled with good tips. And this time in Buenos Aires it wasn’t different!
I dug into some blogs I love, I put everything I found together with an Argentinian friend’s tips and some stuff I googled. And that’s how my dream 8-day gastronomic route in Buenos Aires came to life.
Boy, did I treat myself to some good food… One eats very well in that place! So, there you go:
Loved it! It’s an aphrodisiac restaurant, with sultry decoration and dish names. There are small shows from Tuesday to Sunday, but as I went on Monday, I missed it! Delicious food, dim lights and nice décor. Perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Caliente!
Address: Gorriti, 5054 – Palermo Soho
This is a pretty famous tourist spot! Known for having the best meat in Buenos Aires and all that. I got there with super high expectations and wasn’t disappointed. Super cool décor and delicious food. All you have to do is order your meet and relax. The sides are divine. All very tasty.
Address: Calle José Antonio Cabrera, 5099 – Palermo Soho.
Just loved it! Went for dinner and stayed for cocktails afterwards. Really delightful place. Full of young, pretty people. The place has no name, but it’s located at 878 Thames Street. You just get there, ring the bell (if nobody’s at the door) and enjoy! Super cool!
Same vibes as 878. It’s a hidden, members-only, spot. Each day a different door code. You ring the bell, walk to a phone booth where you have to dial that day’s code and the door opens up for you. I really wanted to check it out and I (obviously) didn’t have the code. So I just put my poker face on, got out of the cab and got in along with the two guys on the cab ahead of mine. I stopped them and asked for the code, said I was from Brazil and all… And they gave it to me: DIOR! The code for the day I was there was Dior. Loved it! Gorgeous decoration, a sex shop between the bar and the restrooms (true story), music playing, amazing cocktails and beautiful people. Loved it.
Address: Arevalo, 1445 – Palermo
Perfect for a delightful breakfast. Super cute décor, real charming and cosy atmosphere. A good to start for your day at Palermo.
Address: Nicaragua, 6068 – Palermo Hollywood
Super traditional, said to have the best caesar salad in Buenos Aires. As the caesar lover I am, I had to try it. It’s huge, it’s good, but no big deal. My tablemates all went for steak and fries and were much more satisfied. It seems like an Argentinian Outback, you know? North-American cuisine, super packed and all. Worth the visit.
Address: Avenida Del Libertador, 4625 – Palermo
Located in San Telmo. Perfect for lunch after a stroll around the market on Sundays. It’s a typical parrilla spot, known for offering the best meat in the world. I really enjoyed it. Succulent meat and delicious sides. Had a great time!
Address: Calle Estados Unidos, 464 – San Telmo
Delicious Scandinavian cuisine restaurant. The highlight are the vodkas – their menu offers over eighty types of the drink (from all over the world!). The deal is to order a mix of appetizers, and each of them will be sided by a shot of vodka. Super lively. Beautiful people, gorgeous place and everything else we enjoy!
Address: Gorriti, 5870 – Palermo Hollywood
An Italian restaurant full of surprises. Typical music playing loud, opera singers walking around the place to liven up your evening, young, cool waiters. The great thing is you can order the tasting menu and let them pick the courses. You pay a fixed price which includes a glass of wine, appetizers (many of them, all delicious) and a main course. Loved it!
I got to this place kind of by accident. I was walking around Puerto Madero, starving, looking for a TV to watch the final match of our women’s volleyball team. We suddenly bumped into this place and it was great! Pretty good all-you-can-eat buffet. The meat and the pasta are prepared on the spot and the price is fair enough for one to eat as much as they like. Great food by the port. Definitely worth it!
Address: A. M. de Justo, 1890 – Puerto Madero
IMPORTANT ADDENDUM: It’s always good to book in advance! Most of the places are pretty popular, so you won’t get a seat unless you have reservations. Just plan before you go so you don’t have to wait for hours by the door!
How about you?
Any favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires?
Anything missing from my list?
I spent a week in Buenos Aires. More than enough time to get to know everything around there… Perfect for those who don’t want to be in a rush to see everything. For those who like to enjoy some wine and do some peoplewatching in every neighborhood… That’s how I like to travel. With enough time in my hands… To get into the city’s day-to-day. And that’s what I did!
So here are my 10 favorite things to do in the city:
Mandatory for the antique lovers! A shed filled with little shops for those who are looking for rare pieces. If you stop by, walk by the entrance walls and see the balloons painted by Jayminho. Graffiti is legal in Buenos, all you need is a permit from the owner of the place. He asked, told he’s an actor who plays a street artist and they allowed it! It’s beautiful! Actually, it was two drawings. This one and a similar one on the Honduras train tracks, in Palermo. If you stop by, just photograph it and send us! He’ll be thrilled!
Speaking of graffiti, this is a mandatory tour for the street art lovers. It’s by a specialized agency. They have walking and bike tours, workshops, everything! We took the walking tour, which cost us 25 dollars. We walked around the art pieces in Palermo. Very cool! Also, we were lucky to see an artist finalizing his work at a studio. That was pretty fun. And made for some good pictures.
I enjoyed walking around by night. Taking a stroll by the river. Just wandering around and picking a charming restaurant to have some wine and watch the people. Super touristy, I met a bunch of blog readers, you’ll find Brazilians everywhere.
Super charming neighborhood. To fulfill the tourist obligation, start from the street market that happens on weekends. I recommend going there on Saturday and save the Sunday for San Telmo. Unfortunately it rained a lot on our Recoleta day, so the market wasn’t at its best. From there, we went to visit the cemetery and Evita Peron’s grave. I love that cemetery, it’s so beautiful. It also makes for some good pictures. And, right around the corner there is the Patio Bullrich mall, which is pretty cute and hosts my favorite local shops: AYRES e RAPSODIA. Love their Zara too!
That’s where Palermo nightlife happens. We went there for four nights and I loved it all the times. We tried a different bar each day. The square is surrounded by bars. You just have to pick one!
MANDATORY museum. I was crazy to see Tarsila do Amaral’s Abaporu and the Frida Kahlos in their collection, but they were out, as usual. Until november. I think problem is with me… Do you remember im Venice, when I wanted to see Da Vinci’s drawings and they were out for restoring? That always happens to me… So sad!
Two gorgeous parks! The trees were dry, so we barely couldn’t see flowers around. I saw it in just one tree at the Japanese Garden. But I really liked it and took several pictures. I might even say that the dry trees are even more charming. Can’t say which one was the most beautiful. Loved it.
Largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Divided into Palermo, Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood and Alto Palermo. Did I forget any? Don’t know … What I know is that you must walk all around the place and discover every little shop and every little corner. Most restaurants in my top 10 are in that area. Loved it. How I enjoyed strolling around those streets…
Super touristic, but pleasant thing to do. The San Telmo fair, on Sundays. Loads of cute stands, artists all around the streets and people dancing tango on the sidewalks. Super cool!
Two little streets that cross each other. It’s tiny, but really charming. Colorful houses, shops and restaurants. They named it Buenos Aires natural museum. The deal is to sit and take pictures wherever, just to enjoy the atmosphere. You’ll also bump into a bunch of Brazilians, that’s life. But it’s definitely worth it! If you’re accompanied by a soccer lover Boca Junior’s stadium, La Bombonera, is right around the corner.
That was my Buenos Aires… And my tips for who’s spending some time there.
And, as usual, if you have any incredible tips from the city to add to this list, just leave a comment!
See you in my next destination!
It took me a week to go see Batman. I was pretty overwhelmed when it was released and kept putting it off. So I got the first impressions from those who had watched it. Lots of twitter mentions, friends posting pictures of the tickets on Instagram with a “must-see” caption. My facebook feed was also filled with my friends’ impressions, which made me even more excited to see it in the big screen! And so I did!
I knew Christopher Nolan (the director!) would make a fantastic movie, the last one of his trilogy. I think this guy is amazing, and I was positive it would be worth the tickets, popcorn and some treats in the best movie theater with the largest screen. But I have to admit I didn’t think it could possibly beat the previous Batman – The Dark Knight, with the amazing Heath Ledger in his exquisite Joker performance. What a movie… I swear I didn’t think it would be easy to beat…
Turns out I was wrong!
The story takes place eight years after the Joker’s attacks, when Batman/Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is reclusive and Gotham is disturbed by a new villain, Bane (Tom Hardy). I think Bane scored good points. You have to see it to understand it. If I say more I may end up giving spoilers.
Other new characters: Anne Hathaway as an incredible Catwoman. Precise. Sexy. Agile. Stealthy. Boy, she’s good… I really enjoy her work! Give it up to her! Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the cop John Blake, hiding the sweetest traits behind the character’s armor. And, finally, another muse of mine: Marion Cotillard, who (believe it or not!) I think left much to be desired in the shoes of philanthropist Miranda Tate… After so many good stuff she’s presented to us, I thought this was a weaker performance. I missed the intensity I saw in her previous films… My only (tiny) criticism.
It’s an eye-grabbing movie from beginning to end, touching, showing that action can go together with good ideas. Btw, what an incredible screenplay… My gosh… What a screenplay!
Batman – The Dark Knight Rises is a must-see!
So sad to think this was the last one… I miss you already, Christopher Nolan!
Thank you!
The movie industry thanks appreciates it!