an ExtraOrdinary Love Story

...that about sum's up the film "Do Comeco Ao" (From Beginning to End) from Brazil, for me.... this unapologetic, sweet and gentle love story between half-brothers, yes, you read it correctly... HALF BROTHERS... was a complete surprise for me in many ways....first of all, I was not aware this was the film we were about to see.... was told we were going to see a Chinese Gay Art film, Amphetamine, but all INFOs were crossed - so it was not that one but this one... first I was disappointed... then when the movie began and found out there was no English subtitles - then I was even more in an iffy mood.... the movie is in Portuguese with Chinese subtitles.... and though both, David & Carry, were kind enough to verbally translate for me - it was actually a nuisance, more than anything.... having someone speak to your ears as you try and watch a film - lols... so I relied mostly on just watching the film and understanding through all the acting and facial expressions... and yes, from time to time, catch a bit of Spanish in there...

anyway, the story is simple enough.... but done in a very sweet & gentle way.... the first half focused on the half brothers young family life.... how close the whole family is.... how everyone is so loving.... and how at an early age you can already see signs how deep the bond between the half brothers are... (I actually found this part so sweet - it will make you cry and laugh... and wish to be with your family...) You see the boys act with so much love and admiration for each other... but not with malice.... you see them happy living in their world with just the family, and just the two of them as playmates.... and it was enough....

All these carried on, to their adult years.... with people in their lives coming and going.... in particular the devastatingly death of their sweet mother - in which one of the characters narrated - "with her gone.... all that is left is love and desire".... love and desire for each other in which they succumbed to (heard a few gasps here from the audience).... then it was all about their life as a couple... happiness... sharing.... and the pain of being separated as the younger one had to go to RUSSIA for 3 years to train for SWIMMING in the OLYMPICS... you will witness the strain of the separation and what they did to overcome it all....

So, the three of us had mixed feelings over this movie.... David still cannot get over that they are half brothers.... Carry, wished that they showed more how they did with the outside world knowing about their relationship... and for me, it was enough that it was actually told this way... with not much more explanations.... that their love was pure, intense, deep, and bonding.... unapologetic and need not explained to anyone else... they only had each other to answer to... care for... love with....

The stars of the movie are all beautiful.... just as you would IMAGINE how the Brazilians truly are.... and everyone is just soooo natural.... as if you are not watching a movie but truly a family life unfolding before your every eyes... the older brother in particular is the one that caught my eyes.... soooo EXPRESSIVE his eyes.... reminds me of a young Daniel Day Lewis or Jim Cazaviel....
The Official Trailer for the movie:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GUYS..... catch it if you can.. truly, you will Laugh, Cry, Fall In Love, get Frustrated and Confused.... but no matter, you will come away with a good feeling.....
Jaoa Gabriel - the older brother: