The 10 worst Brazilian movies you need to know about
Selecting a list of the 10 worst Brazilian films is a challenging task, due to the large number of productions in Brazilian cinema that could be considered.
It's amazing how certain films make it through the production process and onto the big screen, leaving many viewers wondering how they were approved for theaters.
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When we discuss the Brazilian films that have most disappointed critics, we highlight those that suffer from narrative problems, performances, technical deficiencies, weak scripts, lack of originality, ethical questioning and excessive repetition of worn-out formulas.
So, Olhar Digital has 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)
"Cinderella Baiana" is widely recognized as a landmark in the list of the most challenging Brazilian films to watch, standing out as an emblematic example of national cinematic badness. Its reputation as one of the worst films ever produced in Brazil is virtually undisputed.
The story takes place in a town 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 underprivileged children through dance.
Cast: Carla Perez, Alexandre Pires, Perry Salles, Josevaldo Oliveira
Where to watch: YouTube
02. Acquaria (2003, by Flávia Moraes)
The film faces significant problems with its script, despite the efforts of the production team. Although well-produced, it lacks an engaging and original narrative, leaving much to be desired and lacking emotional impact, and enters 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 valuable resource. Sarah (played by Sandy Leah) and Kim (played by Junior Lima) are two young inhabitants of Acquaria, a mysterious society in desperate search of 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.
Cast: Sandy Leah, Junior Lima, Emílio Orciollo Netto, Igor Rudolf
Where to watch: 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 presenter's legion of fans. In 1988, it reached third place at the Brazilian box office, with a total of 2.8 million spectators in national cinemas. Despite its box office success, Super Xuxa received negative reviews not only because of the blonde's performance, but also because of its weak script.
In the film's narrative, Baixo Astral is surprised by an interview with Xuxa on TV FIM, in which she calls on the little ones to build a better world. Feeling threatened, Baixo Astral decides to declare war on Xuxa and hatches a plan to defeat her, sending his henchmen Titica and Morcegão to kidnap the little dog Xuxo.
Cast: Xuxa, Guilherme Karam, Nair Amorim, Tuca Andrada
Where to watch: Globoplay
04. Eliana in The Secret of the Dolphins (2005, by Eliana Fonseca)
It's a movie that doesn't stand out and becomes truly boring, even for children. However, one notable aspect is the linguistic uniformity present on the island, where everyone seems to speak Portuguese fluently, without any trace of foreign accents or influences from Portuñol. This linguistic coherence can be an interesting detail for viewers who value authenticity in the construction of the narrative environment.
The story is of presenter Eliana on the Caribbean coast in 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 is causing environmental damage in various parts of the world, with only the help of a special dolphin.
Cast: Eliana, Fúlvio Stefanini, Daniel Del Sarto, Angela Dippe
Where to watch: Disney+
05. Radical Maneuver (1991, by Elisa Tolomelli)
What saves it is the sight of Glenda Koslowski, a presenter who used to be a bodyboarder, trying her hand at acting, and Eduardo Moscovis at the start of his career. Unfortunately, it's an uninteresting movie with performances that leave something to be desired, and it's on 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 intensively and try to achieve professional success in the sport. However, the journey takes an unexpected turn when Guel, a carefree surfer, falls in love with a woman from a wealthy family. When she becomes pregnant, Guel is forced to abandon his previous life and embrace a new reality full of responsibilities, moving away from the world of surfing.
Cast: João Capilé, Claudia Cepeda, Glenda Kozlowski, Dominique Scudera, Eduardo Moscovis
Where to watch: not available
06. The Warrior Didi and the Ninja Lili (2008, by Marcus Figueiredo)
Even though Renato Aragão is popular, the movie fails to deliver a simple and predictable script. The new venture of the eternal prankster holds no surprises for those familiar with his previous work, since 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 up for 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, which leads to trouble.
Cast: Livian Aragão, Renato Aragão, Luan Assimos, Lucas Assimos
Where to watch: Google Play
07. A Messy School (1990, by Antônio Rangel)
A teen movie with a superficial script and most of the cast is inexpressive, including Supla and Angélica. Great actors like Jandira Martini, Fafy Siqueira and Ewerton de Castro are underused, while only a few scenes from the Trapalhões stand out.
The context is a real estate company planning to replace the iconic Matheus Rose School with a supermarket. This proposal generates a wave of mistrust among the students, especially about how it will affect the dynamics and quality of the school environment with the arrival of new colleagues.
Cast: Angélica, Jandira Martini, Supla, Selton Mello, Renato Aragão, Zacarias, Dedé Santana
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