Bossa Nova

In honor of Carnaval season in Brazil, let's talk about my favorite Brazilian movie; Bossa Nova. This music-filled romantic comedy combines English and Portuguese, American and Brazilian actors, and what at the time was a new phenomenon, internet dating.

Amy Irving (Yentyl and Steven Speilberg's first wife) stars as an American teaching English in Rio de Janeiro (my dream job). She unknowingly beguiles a middle-aged lawyer in her building who is struggling to free himself from his ex-wife, and deal with his father's failing tailor business. Too complicated? Okay, suffice it to say that everyone is connected to everyone else via one of the characters. And the lesson is well taught that nobody is who they claim to be on the internet.

Very clever writing, wonderful music, and cinematography that makes any Carioca homesick, blend into a wonderfully fun movie to watch. Watch it with plenty of pipoca and guarana.