Amazon.com Despite a cover that promises a wild ride through Carnival in Brazil and performances by Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento (whose name is misspelled on the DVD cover), this is really a rather one-sided political documentary about the poverty-stricken lifestyle of black Brazilians and the ways their pure music, samba, has been corrupted and co-opted by the music establishment of Brazil. If you're looking for lengthy interviews with people complaining about conditions (and don't care that this was shot in 1982), then this is the DVD for you. If, on the other hand, you want insight into Brazilian music and musicians or Carnival, you'll come away from this documentary feeling distinctly frustrated. Despite an incessant and infectious samba beat, there aren't nearly enough complete musical performances to satisfying either the seeker or the veteran lover of Brazilian popular music. --Marshall Fine From the Back Cover The Carnival in Rio has catapaulted Brazilian samba to prominence around the world as the ultimate mix of exuberance, sensuality, and tradition. The Spirit of Samba shows how much Brazilian music has profoundly influenced all kinds of musicians around the world, especially jazz artists. Along with the samba and bossa nova, Brazilian styles have made an impact on the international pop scene, and amazingly enough, these styles represent only a small portion of the dazzling kaleidoscope of music found in Brazil. The Spirit of Samba is a thrilling tour of Brazil, ranging from risky forays into the hilltop ghettos of Rio to a behind-the-scenes look at samba schools in preparation for Carnival. A trip to the culturally rich, African-rooted Bahia region reveals a whole other realm of Brazilian culture. Intimate glimpses of such major Brazilian stars as Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, and Chico Barque in interview and performance make this film an especially rewarding experience. Listmania!
© 1999 - 2005 IndiaCatalog.com All rights Reserved.India Catalog.com in association with www.amazon.com03102005-5302-04106
