Terra É Sempre Terra (1951)

Second viewing; first viewed on August 23, 1992.

The rich and spoiled son of a wealthy landowner decides to visit his mother's farm and get acquainted with its problems. Once there he gets involved with the wife of the greedy administrator.

A bit simple-minded but effective rural drama. It reminded me a little of São Bernardo (1972), which was based on a 1934 novel. I couldn't follow some of the dialogue due probably to a poor sound recording, but enjoyed the film nonetheless. I cannot account for my previous unfavorable assessment, since the film deals with an interesting subject and is overall  competently acted and filmed. Abílio Pereira de Almeida, who is also the author, here plays a part not too dissimilar from the one he played in Caiçara. Vinícius de Moraes, a local literary and musical celebrity, wrote an interesting review in Portuguese. Almeida Salles, a locally well-known film critic, is quoted as saying "there are optimally executed moments" and "the best score made for the cinema to this date in Brazil". An analysis of the dramatic use of sound in this film is found here.

Rating: 51 (up from 19)