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Review

Carlos and Julia are an attractive couple who date when in college. On a rainy Friday night, she stands him up at the movies - filmmaker Sandra Werneck gives us three different, intertwined versions of what happens to these crossed lovers in the ensuing fifteen years. In one tale, Carlos marries Julia and fathers a son, Lucas. All is well until he picks Lucas up at soccer practice and falls in love with Pedro. When we meet Carlos, he is reconsidering getting back together with Julia. Will Carlos' love for Pedro win out?

In the second story Carlos is still living with his mom. She is a smothering mother, who means well but ruins all of Carlos' loves. In his search for his soulmate, he goes to a dating agency who gives him a pager that will guide him to love. It sends him back to Julia and their love is rekindled after all these years - will Carlos' mom break them up too?

In the third tale, Carlos is married to Maria in a loveless and childless marriage. All is quite stagnant in Carlos' life until he bumps into Julia at a museum. Julia has been traveling the world in search of something, of what she's not sure. Their long dormant relationship is rekindled spurring a passionate affair. Will Carlos leave Maria for his old love?

There is much to recommend this outstanding film. Murilo Benício as the three Carlos' and Carolina Ferraz as the three Julia's are beyond brilliant in very difficult roles. They bring a depth of character to these people who have developed in three decidedly different ways. At first one is tempted to think one is looking at three different actors who look alike, but these are the same, very talented actors. Director Sandra Werneck amazingly keeps these three stories separate even using the same actors. And praise must be showered on the brilliant writing that takes us to new places - something most romances don't even dream of. (Portuguese with English subtitles)

Scott Cranin