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7.7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7.7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Acabaram-se os Otários remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
So, 'Acabaram-se os Otários' – which roughly translates to 'No More Fools' or 'The Suckers Are Gone' – is definitely a niche watch today. If you're a film history buff, especially interested in early Brazilian cinema, you might find it pretty fascinating. But for anyone expecting slick production or complex narratives, it’s probably going to feel a bit... quaint. 🕰️
The whole thing is about these two country folks, played by Genésio Arruda and Gina Bianchi, making their big debut in São Paulo. They’re just so incredibly green, you almost want to reach through the screen and warn them. They come across as *so* earnest, which really sells their eventual predicament.
And what a predicament! The central scam here is pure gold, in a vintage kind of way. Some rascals manage to convince our protagonists they’ve actually bought a tram. A whole, working streetcar! It's such a beautifully simple, almost unbelievable con, and you can almost feel the film trying to convince you this moment matters, and for these poor souls, it absolutely does.
There's a scene where they're just *beaming* with pride, standing next to this tram they now supposedly own. It lingers just long enough to really hit home how utterly bamboozled they are. The acting is broad, as you'd expect from the era, with lots of big gestures and wide-eyed reactions. It's less about subtle emotion and more about getting the point across, often with a little wink. 😉
The humor comes from this stark contrast: the innocence of the hillbillies versus the sheer audacity of the city swindlers. It’s not laugh-out-loud funny by today's standards, but there’s a gentle charm to it. You smile at the situation, more than the jokes, I guess.
Watching Acabaram-se os Otários is less about following a gripping plot and more about experiencing a piece of history. It's a reminder of a time when stories were simpler, and a 'vicar's tale' was enough to drive a whole movie. The visuals, while dated, offer a neat little window into São Paulo back then. It feels less like a city, and more like a stage for these kinds of antics.
The pacing is, well, *different*. There are moments that drag a little, or perhaps just hold on a beat longer than we're used to. But then, you get these flashes of genuine, almost slapstick brilliance that remind you why these early films mattered. It’s not trying to be anything grand; it's just a straightforward story about a bad day in the big city.
Ultimately, it’s a sweet, slightly sad, and historically interesting film. It makes you think about how easily some folks can be tricked, and how some stories just never get old. Just don't expect a modern blockbuster. This is for those who appreciate the journey, not just the destination. 🎬
IMDb 6.3
1928
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