Me You Them

Reputedly based on a true story, and starring a queen of Brazilian TV, ME YOU THEM is a mix of soap opera, neo-realist fable and sexual comedy. An unwed peasant mother (Casé) returns with her son to her native village to find her family extinct. She is rescued by marriage to a local old bachelor in search of cheap labour. Soon she bears another son (who doesn’t resemble daddy). The old man’s nephew moves in to manage the farm and a third son duly follows (also no resemblance). Then a handsome stranger arrives for the harvest and is asked to join the household. With its widescreen photography of dusty rural countryside and its Gilberto Gil soundtrack, this is a real treat, especially in the earthy performance of its leading lady. ‘An unexpected delight made and acted with intelligence and evident love, which deserves to be requited.’ New York Times