RATING★ 5.6
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Once There Was Brasília backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Once There Was Brasília.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Once There Was Brasília Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

In 1959, disgraced intergalactic agent WA4 receives a mission: to come to the Earth and kill the president Juscelino Kubitschek on the day of Brasília's inauguration. But his ship is lost in time and lands in 2016 in Ceilândia — a Black suburb of Brasilia — on the verge of Dilma Rousseff's impeachment.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Science Fiction, Drama, Documentary cinema, then Once There Was Brasília offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2017 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Science Fiction films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of Documentary films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Once There Was Brasília, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Science Fiction, Drama, Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In 1959, disgraced intergalactic agent WA4 receives a mission: to come to the Earth and kill the president Juscelino Kubitschek on the day of Brasília's inauguration. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Science Fiction, Drama, Documentary 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: "In 1959, disgraced intergalactic agent WA4 receives a mission: to come to the Earth and kill the president Juscelino Kubitschek on the day of Brasília's inauguration. But his ship is lost in time and lands in 2016 in Ceilândia — a Black suburb of Brasilia — on the verge of Dilma Rousseff's impeachment."

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. In Once There Was Brasília, we see Wellington Abreu utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Adirley Queirós 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 98 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 Once There Was Brasília 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 Science Fiction, Drama, Documentary, 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, Once There Was Brasília explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Adirley Queirós 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, Once There Was Brasília 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 Wellington Abreu or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Once There Was Brasília is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

98MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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