Carlota Joaquina, Princess of Brazil

Carla Camurati's 1995 film is regarded as the starting point of Brazilian cinema's revival after production nearly stopped entirely during the Collor years. The Spanish infanta Carlota Joaquina, promised to D. João VI at the age of ten, is forced to leave for Portugal and is bitterly disappointed when she meets her intended. On the death of D. José the Portuguese crown passes to them both, and then, in fear of Napoleon, the court moves to Brazil. The film refuses to take history seriously, using broad performances, caricatured costumes and a mocking narrator. That approach makes the founding myth of Brazil ridiculous in the telling and drew criticism from academic historians. Made cheaply and turning into an unexpected box office success, it became the symbol of Brazilian cinema's return. Who it's for: viewers interested in the 1990s revival of Brazilian cinema and in historical satire. Who it's not for: anyone wanting historical accuracy, or who will find the broad comic tone unsuited to the subject.