Is As Horas Vulgares Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 2011 release of As Horas Vulgares stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The painter Lauro seems to have a good life: he lives with his beloved wife Erika, and is successful working with art. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The painter Lauro seems to have a good life: he lives with his beloved wife Erika, and is successful working with art. However, he is not happy. One day, Lauro runs into Theo, a friend he hasn't seen in years. Both have already been in love with the same girl, Clara, who no longer lives in the city. It doesn't take long for the two to start remembering them as stories from the past, while taking a long walk through the streets of Vitória."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Rômulo Braga provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Vitor Graize is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 123 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is As Horas Vulgares truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, As Horas Vulgares explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2011 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Vitor Graize respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, As Horas Vulgares is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rômulo Braga or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, As Horas Vulgares is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.