Brasileirinho review

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Directed by Mika Kaurismäki (brother of Finnish auteur Aki), this reverential doc centres on ‘choro’, a form of Brazilian music similar to jazz. Predating both samba and bossa nova, choro emerged in 1870s Rio de Janeiro, mirroring the Brazilian melting-pot in its weave of European, African and indigenous styles. Played, sung and danced, it fell from fashion in the ’70s and ’80s but is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

The digitally shot Brasileirinho has no real dramatic structure, Kaurismäki homing in on the rehearsals, jams and performances of the class-crossing, multi-generational musicians. They get their groove on in venues ranging from concert halls to trams and ferries. Alas, non-fans may find that the interviews disappoint: there’s no denying the players’ passion for choro (nor their instrumental skill), but a little delving into their lives beyond the music would’ve been fruitful.

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine.