Angels of the Sun (2006) User Reviews

A heartfelt and informative film regarding the horrors of child prostitution, complemented by a powerful score and emotional cinematography.

[oh-my-mcfly · 6/10 · 15 March 2009]

Anjos do Sol was one of those movies I was hesitant to watch -- another film on child prostitution, another Trade or Human Trafficking? I've seen enough of child exploitation films.

However, I was pleasantly surprised.

The plot was less trite than I had feared, the ending especially heartfelt and surprising as the audience perceives that Maria has absorbed her previous experiences negatively. (Duh. How can child prostitution be positive?) The ending gives a powerful message on how child prostitution severely affects the minds of its victims and urges people to become aware of its continuing affects.

Although the plot is brilliant from some angles and not so much from others, the score and cinematography are what truly makes the movie a masterpiece. The music, sometimes repetitious, incites emotions. The cinematography enhances the story by allowing the viewers to interact with the characters.

Two instances of beautiful cinematography must be mentioned: ---SPOILER ALERT--- 1] After Maria's first night at the club, the camera peeks around the corner of her doorway to reveal her crying in the bed. The camera moves at such a slow angle that the viewers feel as though they too are in the club, peeking around the doorway at something they should not see. 2] When Saraiva ties Inez to the jeep, the camera circles Inez's face from the profiles to the front. As the camera moves and Inez approaches imminent doom (Saraiva starts the jeep that will drag her), Inez's face transforms from a cool countenance to a wrinkled, despairing expression. Just as the camera stops, the jeep starts. ---END---

The acting was atrocious at times because many of the actresses were young and inexperienced, including the main actress Fernanda Carvalho, who had no previous acting experience. However, Carvalho's portrayal of Maria was so simple and natural that I felt her childish inexperience and honesty added reality to the film ... which is more that I can say for the antagonists, who were uninspiring and one-dimensional.

Overall, the performances were so-so, but the emotional cinematography and score demands a viewing of the film.

No sun in this sickening trade

[videorama-759-859391 · 7/10 · 13 August 2014]

More the norm are child prostitute movies, and I like ones that shock and hit hard with the message. This is one of those films, an indie one with shades of amateurish as if for budget, whatever. It's seems like the producers, filmmakers, whatever, were really pushing hard to get it made. The subtitles look cheap. This is an impressive work I must say, where again the scum who sell kids are merciless. A 12 year girl, unbeknown to her will become a child prostitute as her slightly older scouted sister has caught malaria. What begins for this poor girl is a merciless hell as she becomes a commodity for sex from perverted older men, who buy them like objects, one girl described by a madam as "a delicate flower" or words to that effect is nine if a day, where the girls are doled up in gaudy dresses, eye candy for these perverted sons of bitches. One guy buys two girl's, including the 12 year old main of our story, who gives her to his 18 year old son as a birthday present, to lose his virginity. There are some ugly bits of this movie, where one girl pays the ultimate price for running away, which is truly is a disturbing scene. The film is well acted by the young cast, and there are a couple of hotties, but the film never detracts from the reality and truth about what goes on in this girl's hell, or in the lives of the other girls in this sickening trade, where the punches keep coming back at ya. Finally she has to escape, where again it's a revolving door. The last scene, especially is a reminder of that very fact, for the what the price of a child's beauty, holds. It's something as if a scene out of Matrioshki, where yes, the film is stereotypical, but they are all with their small familiarities, if plot points, whatever. But with this one, I like it's unflinching pull no punches, ugly side of the trade. An stern quality about the film, I admired.

For more themes like this

[witcherms · 6/10 · 27 June 2020]

In general, being set in the interior of bahia, the film follows the trajectory of Maria (Fernanda Carvalho), a 12-year-old girl who ends up being sold by her father (Rui Manthur) to an explorer named tadeu (Francisco Diaz). It is very important to mention here that the longa leaves latent from the beginning the naive hope of a family that is immersed in drought and poverty by the State which, in turn, offers beautifully the educational, social and economic needs of the population that is part of it, at least. Thus, like many parents, long believe that their daughters can have a better future, which makes it no problem to think that one of them could be adopted by a family with superior living conditions, something that serves as an advantage for opportunists who like a miracle readily offer a supposed help.

Even with a predictable script, the Brazilian film Angels of the Sun (Rudi Lagermann, 2006), responsible for winning the popular jury award for Best Feature of Ibero-American Fiction at the Miami International Film Festival, presents a theme more than relevant to the citizens of this serene land called Brazil - indeed, not only her, but many other nations that spread across the planet. After all, the film deals with the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, which brings by itself an impact to be specified as the main theme of a debate, especially for those who think: Even more so for those who think, "does this still exist?".

Child and youth trafficking, rapes, prostitution, anyway, are not so easy subjects to deal with, moreover in a film work, however, the script and direction of Rudi Lagermann galgam, so to speak, such a feat, even if in a somewhat didactic and fragmented way, these aspects that turned a feature of 1h and 32min into something somewhat boring at certain points of its narrative, which is also due to the predictability of the script, either in the lines of the characters or in the outcome of each scene.

Another factor worth mentioning is how the problems are solved too quickly, something that would not be a defect if it were not so visible to viewers. In view of this, from the first arc to the last, the film seems to be in a hurry to apply an ending, not allowing, consequently, a contemplation of the situations demonstrated by him, which could have a better outcome if they were granted a longer delay and development. However, as such development does not unfold smoothly, the feature sets out to cite one by one the problems faced by trafficked girls, directing them - sometimes perceptibly, sometimes not - in formats of severe criticism to the social context of the time that, unfortunately, still persists. Thus, I inexorably assert that the greatest and most fierce criticism lies in the neglect and silencing of people who do nothing to see all the atrocities presented to them. Here's what I liked the most, that is, the long makes it very clear that each individual earns something in exchange for their silence, be it sex, money or simply not getting involved in something that supposedly would destroy their life.

That said, what can we say with regard to actions? Well, they are not the strong point of the film, except in relation to more experienced actors and actresses such as Otávio Augusto, Vera Holtz and especially Antonio Calloni who, unlike his colleagues, goes beyond what is asked of him and delivers us at first sight a repulsive and atrocious Saraiva, involved in a quiet language with strong touches of the representation that develops him as an authentic executioner. Moreover, the actress Fernanda Carvalho closes herself ina melancholic expression that remains unchanged from beginning to end, which is positive because her character has very few lines, but negative because of no change in facial expression. Bianca Comparato, in turn, exposes her character ines in a carranca that, leaving what is presented by Fernanda Carvalho, does not bother, which is due to a greater resourcefulness of the actress.

Finally, I dare say that, even with the aforementioned difficulties, the feature film Angels of the do Sun not only grants an expansion of debates on the theme that it proposes, but also establishes the feasibility of accessing a demonstration based on facts of something that may seem distant from the daily lives of brazilians, highlighting the magnitude of cinema for the approximation of the public themes often hidden in the social environment and forgotten until today by society.

Thus, after so many considerations, here is what can be taken from the work that I criticize here:

In the scene of the final act, Maria, a 12-year-old girl - torn from the vulnerable family bosom in which she already suffered - without school education, often raped and raped in so many ways, notes, even with difficulty, the true reality of this world that can be too bitter for those who become invisible to their peers, since when asking for help, Maria is faced with a truck driver who does not exactly ask what she can offer in exchange for the ride, and she, knowing what is waiting for her, gives herself to the system in which we live, where she must offer herself to receive, and always the loss of some will be the gain of others. Therefore, it is very easy - when one does not know the trajectory - to judge a given Maria who survives through prostitution, just as it is even easier to point the finger at those who benefit from human suffering, however, it will not be so easy to reach out and help.

"According to data from the International Labor Organization (OIT), more than 100,000 girls are victims of sexual exploitation in the country, and by the United Nations, it is estimated that trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation moves about 9 billion dollars in the world, and only loses in profitability to the illegal drugs and weapons market." (jordelma Veloso Costa, Juma Frota Rodrigues, december 2014).

G.E.C.A.FE - Grupo de Estudos em Cinema, Arte e Fenomenologia (Study Group on Cinema, Art and Phenomenology)

I give 10 stars too

[chetosco · 10/10 · 20 December 2010]

It's supposed to bring not a milligram of pleasure, be it directing or, especially, acting. Who cares? That's not a piece of art. That's a desperate yell that fades into a hopeless howling. This movie alone is enough not to want to wake up next morning. Watching can easily lead to a heart attack. I nearly had one. But filmed impeccably by a guy with a very big heart. Great photography, great sertaneja score intended to contrast, great cast including Otavio Augusto, Chico Diaz, Vera Holtz and Antonio Calloni among others. Virtually a documentary with a very slight acting, which may be just a bit too much. But the most shocking is that the movie leaves you breathlessly ashamed for being part of this world.

The most moving film that I have ever seen.

[heckdave · 10/10 · 21 October 2009]

I'm not much of an expert on acting or other movie details, but this movie just hit me deep. I don't think I'll ever forget it. One scene especially (I think that anybody who has seen the film will know of which one I am speaking) is imprinted on my brain.

I also watched the similar movie Lilja 4-ever (as referred to by a previous commentator). It was also very moving, but not quite as straight to the point and brutal. If you are sensitive at all, either will bring tears to your eyes, but Anjos Do Sol (Angels of the Sun) may stay with you forever.

This is very depressing subject matter, but I think, no, I HOPE that the film succeeds in bringing more attention to it.

More people need to see this film!!!!!!

The Shameful Reality of Child Prostitution

[claudio_carvalho · 10/10 · 6 May 2007]

In Northeastern of Brazil, the father of the twelve years old illiterate Maria (Fernanda Carvalho) sells his daughter to the middle man of a prostitution organization, Tadeu (Chico Dias), to be employed as a housemaid and have a better life. However, the girl is resold to the farmer Lourenço (Otávio Augusto) that deflowers her, and he gives the abused girl to his teenager son to have his first sexual experience. Then she is sent to a brothel in a gold field in Amazonas and explored his owner, the despicable Saraiva (Antonio Calloni). When Maria escapes to Rio de Janeiro expecting a better life, she is explored by the cáften Vera (Darlene Glória).

"Anjos do Sol" exposes the sad and shameful reality of child prostitution in Brazil through the fate of the girl Maria. Last year I saw "Lilja 4-ever" that tells an identical story in the former Soviet Union; therefore this problem does exist in Third World countries. Director and writer Rudi Lagemann presents a great movie exposing the reality but never showing nudity or explicit sexual scenes. It is the debut of the promising Fernanda Carvalho, who has an excellent performance in the role of a scared child fighting for survival. Most of the prostitutes are amateurs, and it is impossible to recognize the famous Darlene Glória so different she is after many plastic surgeries. The bitter and hopeless end of the story is also very realistic. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Anjos do Sol" ("Angels of the Sun")

Urgent portrait of child prostitution marred by cliché characters, awkward acting and predictable script

[debblyst · 5/10 · 13 October 2006]

Sincere, didactic, sentimental, predictable account of how 12 year-old Maria (inexperienced, doe-eyed Fernanda Carvalho) is sold by her own destitute parents in Northern Brazil to be employed as a housemaid, instead ends up being forced to work as a prostitute under slave-like conditions in an indigent brothel in the Amazon, run by evil Saraiva (Antonio Calloni). Overcoming all odds, Maria manages to escape to Rio de Janeiro, where she hopes her life will change for better when she meets Vera (Darlene Glória, the unforgettable star of "Toda Nudez Será Castigada", unrecognizable after a series of unsuccessful face-lifts)...but will it?

The theme is important and urgent: child prostitution exists in most Third World countries (well, I guess everywhere...), but in Northern Brazil it takes endemic proportions, as it's not unusual for destitute parents to sell their own daughters to brothels, in a region where virginity is still a valuable commodity, and men pay high prices to deflower virgin child prostitutes, not remotely à la "Pretty Baby" glamorization. The fact that documentaries on the subject are difficult to make due to legal issues (they're underage!) makes fictionalized films like these essential and director/writer Rudi Lagemann shows he did his research homework. Nevertheless, the film seldom clicks, due to the usual weak points in contemporary Brazilian fiction film-making: the loose/inefficient direction of actors, the predictability of plot development, the abuse of formulaic characters and unconvincing/flat dialog.

If the film is ultimately frustrating, it's mainly due to cliché cardboard good vs. evil characters and the fact that we can outguess nearly every next sequence. The dialog seldom rings true, marred by the awkward acting of the young cast (with the exception of talented and more experienced Mary Sheyla), the mix of unlikely accents and the shameless scenery-chewing of the veterans (especially Calloni and Darlene Glória, while usually reliable Chico Díaz and Vera Holtz resort to ticks and tricks; Otávio Augusto is fine, as usual). The mix of professional and non-professional actors never lets the film impose its tone (it keeps teetering between melodrama and docu-realism). Visually, the film is also contradictory, as Lagermann indulges in carefully planned framings and complex camera movements that belie (and soften) the urgent, raw, ugly theme.

I sincerely wish I could recommend this film heartily; it IS a labor of love, well-intentioned and deals with an important issue. But if you want to see a really great Brazilian film about child exploitation and prostitution (among other throbbing themes), try to find the brand new DVD release of "Iracema -- Uma Transa Amazônica". That one is a real punch in the stomach and a completely successful mix of cinéma- vérité, improvisation and fiction, still as urgent and shocking as it was 30 years ago, and which -- tragically -- hasn't dated at all.

Gramado Film Festival 2006

[LesleyLB · 10/10 · 25 March 2017]

I saw many films in that week and I was tired, but this film was like a slap in the face then I woke up, it was so strong. It's not a documentary, but an unhappier reminder of world that exists. Great photography and painful images. I consider it one of the best Brazilian movies.

A necessary film, badly made

[ersbel · 10 January 2016]

The whole cast is a long series of cardboard silhouettes marching around in a silly dance. A TV report about child prostitution has about the same emotional and artistic value for only a fraction of the price. So why do it? Because the they can. Anyway, everything is cleaned up to sterility. The miners are poor. They have unfashionable clothing. Yet the clothes are clean and new. The brothel is hospital clean and there are no sanitation issues. There is no blood, no vomit, even the chain is new and shinny.

Why do they do it? Any of the characters moving around? Who cares? The team has a movie to shoot and big dreams. In the end, the screen announces this is made from true stories. Really? If that's so why is there only one story? And if that is one story, where is the evolution, the reason to feel something for the girl? In the end, after 90 minutes, the girl is just another piece of meat. Does she change? Does she have dreams? Long into the movie she starts speaking. She is trying to become human: she talks about pain. But she is cut short by the director's need to keep up filming.

I should have felt sorry for the girl. Yet the only conclusion rests: she was better off dead. And this movie unmade.

Contact me with Questions, Comments or Suggestions ryitfork @ bitmail.ch

a fair movie

[shatguintruo · 5/10 · 7 May 2008]

"Angels of the Sun" (title in English) is directed by Rudi Langelman (he was already assistant of Ruy Guerra in the film "Kuarup"). Of this interchange resulted that the cinematographic language of Ruy Guerra was very well apprehended by Rudi, though in some moments of the film we can "see" something of "TV Language". I'll explain: abrupt cuts, followed by "close-up" and "opened plans", in which the camera catches all the environment. Surprisingly, the cast works in a uniform way, and behaves accurately as the director wanted, perhaps due to the inexperience of the actors. (When an actor starts to gain experience, let us say: with 15 or 20 years of interpretation, he/she always suggests a change, in the process of making a movie: psychological aspect of a personage, or in the positioning of camera or in the elimination of scenes and/or some dialogs. But that is not the principal subject... The story is "cushioned" by the constant denunciations of such a practical, internationalized by magazines, periodicals and by TV. In spite of all the defects, I vote in a scale of 1 to 10: 5 (fair).