Is As Safadas Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1982)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

As Safadas, a standout production of 1982, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Three stories. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy 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: "Three stories. 'Rainha do Fliper' (Pinball's Queen) Reginéia is the pinball's queen, exploited by her pimp Giba. Out of the blue, her former boyfriend Tenório comes to the arcade place seeking out Reginéia. 'Uma Aula de Sanfona' (One Class of Accordion) Bank clerk Nanci and her friend Cristina have come from Ribeirão Preto and share an apartment in São Paulo. Nanci has an argument with her lover Valdemar, and goes to her room blaming her upset on the accordian lessons that her neighbor, Durval Pereira, is giving on the floor above, but what is his secret? 'Belinha, a Virgem' (Belinha, the Virgin) The wedding day of the virgin, Belinha is rapidly approaching,. But the wedding is against the will of her fiancé's mother. When her future mother-in-law asks the parochial priest to check whether Belinha is virgin or not, the girl uses her sculptural body to resolve the situation."

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. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Zilda Mayo ensure that the emotional beats of As Safadas always land with sufficient weight. Zilda Mayo provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Carlos Reichenbach 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 86 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 Safadas 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 Comedy, 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 5.6/10 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 Safadas explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1982 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Carlos Reichenbach 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 Safadas serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Zilda Mayo or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, As Safadas is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.