The 10 worst Brazilian films of all time according to critics

Selecting a list of the 10 worst Brazilian films is a challenging undertaking, as there are a vast number of Brazilian film productions that could be considered.

It’s amazing how some films manage to make it through the production process and make it to the big screen, leaving many moviegoers wondering how they were approved for theatrical release.

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When we discuss the Brazilian films that have disappointed critics the most, we highlight those that suffer from narrative problems, performances, technical shortcomings, flimsy scripts, lack of originality, ethical questions, and excessive repetition of tired formulas.

In this way, the I have selected 10 from a list of the 100 worst Brazilian films on the IMDB website for you to check out.

01. Cinderella Baiana (1998, by Conrado Sanchez)

“Cenerela Baiana” is widely recognized as a milestone in the list of the most challenging Brazilian films to watch, standing out as an emblematic example of the national cinematic nastiness. Its reputation as one of the worst films ever produced in Brazil is practically undeniable.

The story is set in a city in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia, where Raimundo seeks a better life for his family in the capital. His daughter, Carla (played by Carla Perez), discovers dance and becomes a famous dancer. After achieving stardom, she decides to return to her roots to help disadvantaged children through dance.

Carla Perez, Alexandre Pires, Perry Salles, Josevaldo Oliveira

Youtube

02. Aquaria (2003, by Flávia Moraes)

The film faces significant script problems despite the efforts of the production team. Although well produced, it lacks a compelling and original narrative, leaves much to be desired and lacks emotional impact and is on the list of the worst Brazilian films, according to critics.

In the distant future, the Earth is facing a serious water crisis due to the unbridled exploitation of natural resources. In this scenario, water becomes the most precious resource. Sarah (played by Sandy Leah) and Kim (played by Junior Lima) are two young inhabitants of Aquaria, a mysterious society desperate for water. Together they embark on a journey full of danger and discovery to find a solution to the water shortage that threatens the survival of their people.

Sandy Leah, Junior Lima, Emílio Orciollo Netto, Igor Rudolf

Disney+

03. Super Xuxa Contra o Baixo Astral (1998, by Anna Penido and David Sonnenschein)

What saved it from being a box office failure was the host’s legion of fans. In 1988 he reached third place at the Brazilian box office, with a total of 2.8 million spectators in domestic theaters. Despite its box office success, Super Xuxa received negative reviews not only for the blonde’s performance, but also for its weak script.

In the film’s narration, Baixo Astral is surprised by an interview with Xuxa on TV FIM, in which she invites the little ones to build a better world. Feeling threatened, Baixo Astral decides to declare war on Xuxa and devises a plan to defeat her, sending her henchmen Titica and Morcegão to kidnap the little dog Xuxo.

Xuxa, Guilherme Karam, Nair Amorim, Tuca Andrada

Globalplay

04. Eliana in The Secret of the Dolphins (2005, by Eliana Fonseca)

A film that doesn’t stand out, and becomes really boring, even for children. One notable aspect, however, is the linguistic uniformity present on the island, where everyone seems to speak Portuguese fluently, without any trace of foreign accents or Portuguese influences. This linguistic coherence can be an interesting detail for viewers who appreciate authenticity in the construction of the narrative environment.

The story is about presenter Eliana on the Caribbean coast, Mexico, recording a program about dolphins. There she meets a biologist (Daniel Del Sarto) who takes care of the animals and a young local who has his first contact with the sea. Together, they face an eco-predator that causes environmental damage in various parts of the world, with only the help of a special dolphin.

Eliana, Fulvio Stefanini, Daniel Del Sarto, Angela Dippe

Disney+

05. Manobra Radicale (1991, by Elisa Tolomelli)

What saves is seeing the presenter Glenda Koslowski, when she was bodyboarding, taking risks as an actress and Eduardo Moscovis at the beginning of his career. Unfortunately it is an uninteresting film, with performances that leave something to be desired and is included in the list of the worst Brazilian films.

Shortly before an important surfing championship, a group of young people set off along the Brazilian coast to train intensely and try to achieve professional success in this sport. The journey, however, takes an unexpected turn when Guel, a carefree surfer, falls in love with a woman from a wealthy family. When she becomes pregnant with him, Guel is forced to abandon her previous life and embrace a new reality full of responsibility, moving away from the world of surfing.

João Capilé, Claudia Cepeda, Glenda Kozlowski, Dominique Scudera, Eduardo Moscovis

not available

06. The warrior Didi and the ninja Lili (2008, by Marcus Figueiredo)

While banking on Renato Aragão’s popularity, the film fails to present a simplistic and predictable script. The eternal child’s new venture holds no surprises for those familiar with his previous works, as many jokes and situations are repeated from his past films and the Sunday program of the time.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Lili is the daughter of an officer called to war. Under the tutelage of an oriental master, she learns martial arts. When her father disappears, she is sent back to Europe to be raised by her aunt Morgana. To protect her, the master sends the warrior Didi, sparking confusion.

Livian Aragão, Renato Aragão, Luan Assimos, Lucas Assimos

Google Play

07. Uma Escola Atrapalhada (1990, by Antônio Rangel)

A teen film with a shallow script and much of the film is expressionless, including Supla and Angélica. Great actors like Jandira Martini, Fafy Siqueira and Ewerton de Castro are underused, while only a few scenes in Trapalhões stand out.

The context is that of a real estate company that intends to replace the iconic Colégio Matheus Rose with a supermarket. This proposal generates a wave of mistrust among students, especially regarding how this will influence the dynamics and quality of the school environment with the arrival of new colleagues.

Angélica, Jandira Martini, Supla, Selton Mello, Renato Aragão, Zacarias, Dedé Santana, Mussum

Youtube

08. Entre Lençóis (2008, by Gustavo Nieto Roa)

Only the fascinating presence of Reynaldo Gianecchini and Paolla Oliveira can save “Entre Lençóis”, which is included in the ranking of the worst Brazilian films. The script is flimsy, full of superficial themes, simplistic dialogues and constant clichés, which get lost in meaningless narratives.

In the synopsis of “Entre Lençóis”, Paula (played by Paolla Oliveira) and Roberto (played by Reynaldo Gianecchini) meet in a nightclub. After a few words exchanged, they immediately decide to go to a motel, where they spend the night together. During this time, they delve into deep conversations about love, death, family, and, of course, intimacy.

Reynaldo Gianecchini, Paolla Oliveira, Ricardo Prado

Globalplay

09. Brothers of the faith (2004, by Moacyr Góes)

The dialogues and speeches of “Brothers of Faith” oscillate between monotony and aimlessness, tiring with Paul’s long preaching, without action to balance it. The narrative fails when it tries to weave two stories together at the same time. The film, despite aspiring to be evangelizing, fails to excite, explaining its relative failure.

“Brothers of Faith” tells two intertwined stories: one about the birth of the Church, centered on the journey of the apostle Paul two thousand years ago, and the other on the rebirth of a young man in the present day. In the contemporary plot, Father Marcelo Rossi meets a marginalized teenager looking for a renewed purpose for his existence.

Thiago Lacerda, Marcelo Rossi, Othon Bastos, Phellipe Haagensen

Amazon Prime Video

10. Irma Vap: The Return (2006, by Carla Camurati)

In the theatrical production the versatile pair of actors stood out for their frequent exchanges of characters in the dressing rooms. However, in the film “Irma Vap – The Return”, this scenic dynamism is lost in the rush. The lack of fluidity and confusing cuts compromise the narrative. Although the agile editing and quick cuts were a solution to the multiple character changes, the result does not reach what was expected and the cast presents tired performances.

Two producers plan a new version of “The Mystery of Irma Vap”, but the rights belong to Tony (played by Marco Nanini), an actor confined to a wheelchair, cared for by his sister (also played by Nanini), who signs I contract her without her knowledge. It will be directed by Darci (played by Ney Latorraca), an old colleague of Tony’s from when they worked together before the accident that left him paraplegic.

Marco Nanini, Ney Latorraca, Luisa Arraes, Paulo Betti

Copacabana game

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Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.