Arduino Colasanti, Ana Maria Magalhaels, Ital Natur, Eduardo Embassahy

A Brazilian feature with modernist touches of the country's Cinea Novo movement (defined by Glauber Rochas' 1965 discussion of the "aesthetics of hunger"), this fictional yet ethnographically aspirational film steps back to the 1500s when the French and Portuguese battled over New World territory. When local Tupinamba Indians capture a French explorer, they set about preparing a ritualistic meal in which they will consume him, and thereby, according to legend, appropriate his strength. Cannibalism combats colonialism, although the historical accuracy of this practice within this tribe hasn't been verified. A charming work despite serious social and political themes.

(by Rebecca L. Epstein)