Paradise Lost

Paraíso Perdido is a nightclub in São Paulo where time has stopped. Inside, José's family lives and works: everyone has a loss, a grievance, and something they have not said. On stage they sing old Brazilian romantic songs. Outside the city has changed; the council wants to close the club and the neighbourhood is no longer the same. The family tries to hold on to each other and to the place. Monique Gardenberg's film sits between musical drama and family portrait. The narrative proceeds through songs rather than plot; each character has their own number and what they sing says what they cannot say. Lee Taylor, Jaloo and Erasmo Carlos are in the cast, with Seu Jorge also appearing. The repertoire is drawn from Brazilian popular romantic music. Who it's for: Viewers who like Brazilian cinema, musical drama, and family narratives. Who it's not for: The narrative is loose and there are many characters. The emotional effect also weakens for a viewer who does not know the songs.