There are those who view movies as nothing more than entertainment. These are the 'suits' who want nothing more than the next big summer blockbuster that rakes in the big bucks… and those who are suckered into shelling out the big bucks every time these movies hit the big screen. While there is a place for these types of movies, and I for one do enjoy them to a point, there are other filmmakers and filmgoers who long for the types of movies that teach as they entertain. This is where the Global Film Initiative comes in. Every year, films from around the world are selected to tour the U.S. as a way of promoting cross-cultural understanding. This year, as part of the Global Lens Film Series, Brazil gets in on the act with "Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures." This humorous, yet poignant film introduces to Brazil circa 1942 as seen through the eyes of Johann (Peter Ketnath) as he travels the dusty highways and byways. And what might you ask is his reason to be traveling?

Well, to bring the new wonder drug… aspirin… to the masses. His job is to promote and sell aspirin to a people who live in a time before the internet and FedEx. He is a traveling salesman, set up with a pitch and a rather silly film in order to sell his product.

During his travels, he decides to give a lift to Ranulpho (Joao Miguel), a hitchhiker in search of a better life. With his sharp wit and charismatic façade, he tries his hand at helping Johann make his sales. The two strike up a friendship, which forms the basis of the majority of this film, but things take a turn for the worse as WWII breaks out and Johann is torn between returning to his homeland or staying in Brazil.

"Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures" is an extremely well-written and acted little movie, offering an entertaining character study set amidst the backdrop of Brazil. I understand that some people just can't get into movies that are sub-titled, but if they let that stand in the way of finding good entertainment, the loss is undeniably theirs.

Directed by: Marcelo Gomes
Starring: Joao Miguel, Peter Ketnath
Extras: Discussion Guide which includes - Director Statement and Biography, Production Notes, Brazil in Context
Studio: First Run Features
Release Date: 7/24/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures an A.