A fine short documentary on the Candomblé religion, a tradition from African slaves in Brazil and of which has a wide predominance in Brazil.
The movie follows some of its rituals, movements inside of a terreiro (yard or houses), and the interesting thing is that director Geraldo Sarno tells us
through Alvaro Freire narration that he's filming and showing everything as a mere curious spectactor rather than someone who has a deep knowledge on the
matter, since he was following Candomblé in order to make more films about it (not sure if he ever made those). Like anyone else who doesn't know anything
about it, it's interesting to follow around, with a curious look rather than the typical prejudiced view most folks tend to have when it comes to Candomblé
and their traditions.
Freire's narration is quite absent, just telling some small background about the yard in Bahia and a little about the religion. The majority of the film
is following the dance movements, drumming, singing and other ordeals, mostly echoed through chantings. In a way, though I'm not totally versed about the
religions, it'd be interesting if Mr. Sarno has presented things about the deities, the orixás or some form of didatic way of presenting the major elements
from Candomblé rather than just showing some typical rituals - gladly, he avoided the most controversial that comes in the form of animal sacrifices.
And there's
a whole mystique and fascinating elements - like all religions have in some way despite the conflicts between one another and Candomblé not only includes
African elements but there's also traditions that comes from Roman Catholic - with a great sense of wonderment, unique things that in part were adopted
by popular culture (for positive and stereotypical negative things). Since most art forms as cinema and TV projects never invest in such a curious way, usually
mocking or criticizing the religion it'd be interesting to move a little closer and if possible, interview the people from terreiros - no one needs specialists or
scholars on the topic.
Basically, this is a case where nothing is said yet everything can be seen and the reflections about it must come to each viewer. To those unfamiliar
with Candomblé this can be a masterful work to get to know; to those already in it or know plenty about it it might not give you anything so impressive to
see. Since I'm in between those mentioned categories I liked the way Mr. Sarno views everything even though without a deeper input from anyone else it gets a
little boring just following repetitive ordeals. Still gets a thumbs up from me. 6/10.
