The Other Side of the Street

Synopsis: First-time Brazilian director Marcos Bernstein makes his debut with this visually rich, superbly acted drama. Starring Academy Award®-nominated actress Fernando Montenegro (CENTRAL STATION) and acclaimed Brazilian actor Raul Cortez, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET offers a fresh perspective on what it means to grow old in a world preoccupied with youth. Regina is a 65-year-old woman living alone in Copacabana who is having trouble coming to terms with the way the world sees her. In avoidance of the routine existence expected of people her age, Regina works part-time as a police informant, using the invisibility that comes with her age in a host of potentially dangerous situations. When not supplying tips to the police, Regina sits in her dining room window peering out at the apartment complex across the way. Regina's closest connection to the world is through her binocular lenses. But that changes when she witnesses a murder and becomes obsessed with the investigation. As Regina becomes involved with Camargo, the murder suspect, she is forced to retire her role of observer, and become an active participant. Regina is an interesting character in that she simultaneously craves companionship and pushes people away, her utter disconnect in society contrasting with her desire to be a part of everything around her. Though the world dismisses her as old, Regina stays young at heart through her strong sense of curiosity. This characteristic is well-developed through the film's visual style and music, which explores the intense emotion and voyeuristic tendencies augmented by loneliness and isolation. Rather than being preoccupied with their own mortality, Regina and Camargo are invested in living life to the fullest.     Source: RottenTomatoes.com