Central do Brasil (1998)

Central Station is a troubling but heart-warming story from the harsh realities of Brazilian life.

A retired school teacher played by legendary Fernanda Montenegro writes letters for illiterates in Rio's central train station. Some she chooses to mail, many end up in a drawer in her apartment, and some are tossed in the trash. Not very nice.

The real star of the movie however is a little boy who just wants to meet his father played by Vinícius de Oliveira. He is either a gifted prodigy or his director, Walter Salles (Motorcycle Diaries and Paris, jet t'aime), is a genius. I figure both are true.

The two become entwined and linked to each other to their own chagrin. They embark on a cross-country journey to find the boy's father. Part comedy part drama, this story could reach you on several different levels.

You will see parts of Brazil that few gringos ever see, and certainly no tourists. You will see a woman who is convinced her sins are revisited upon her in the form of a young boy. You will see a boy hell-bent finding his father against all odds. You will see a journey worthy of NatGeo's Great Migrations. You will see a very satisfying ending, if not totally happy.

Watch this with someone who will laugh at the uniquely Brazilian funny bits AND explain them to you later.