Customer Reviews

The Dolphin [VHS]

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3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

This film takes place in northeastern Brazil which is the blackest and poorest area of Brazil. It is also an area that is dominated by various religions inspired by what we popularly call voodoo. More specifically, the movie is set in a small, isolated fishing village during a time of a scarcity of fish. On the farms, men could look in on their women, wives and daughters. But this is a problem in fishing villages where the men are often out fishing and cannot easily return. In addition, a common problem facing those who fish is finding enough fish. Given that these men live in an area dominated by religions inspired by the spirit world, it is no surprise that they should blame the dolphin for two of their biggest problems: the scarcity of fish (the dolphins are blamed for eating and scaring off the fish) and sexually compromising their women.

This somewhat sensual story is of a woman named Tereza, her father and sister, and aunt. Tereza is seduced and becomes pregnant by "o boto" (the dolphin man). The child is the son of the dolphin man and is released into the sea, but soon returns. Tereza never marries, but following the death of her father, is pursued by the local merchant, Rufino, who is comparatively wealthy. Tereza does not love the merchant, but she eventually marries him. This sets up a competition between the dolphin man and Rufino for the soul of Tereza.

One problem with the film is that we do not really know which man Tereza really loves, and since we do not know if either man is worthy of her, the viewer does not root for one or the other of the suitors. But it is still an interesting film, even if somewhat gimmicky. Dr. Patrick L. Cooney, Ph.D. in sociology.

From other reviews, you can tell this is a movie that doesn't connect at all with some people. Regardless of whether you get anything cultural, sociological, psychological, linguistic or escapist out of this film (and I did...all of these): It has some beautiful cinematography! There are many oustanding night and ocean scenes, plus some attractive women and men.

This movie sucked. The only redeeming quality was how the boto ran and the fact that the boto had to wear a hat cause he had a blowhole.

This video was a waste of my time after I saw it because I was thinking of doing it with a dolphin but now, after I watched this movie, I don't want to!!!! This movie was a definite waste of my time!! I should have rented something else!!! Also the boto was a screwed up dolphin-man because he had a blowhole on his head and he ate fish by biting them instead of cooking and fileting them!!! I hated this movie!!! FOLKS, THIS MOVIE WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME AND IT MIGHT BE A WASTE OF YOURS!!!!!!