Product Details

• Actors: Zezé Motta, Walmor Chagas, Altair Lima, Elke Maravilha, Stepan Nercessian
• Format: Color, Subtitled, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: New Yorker Video
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 109 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302906687
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #215,110 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A spicy cinematic window into Brazilian history, January 30, 2001

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Xica [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"Xica," directed by Carlos Diegues, is based on the story of an actual figure from Brazilian history, Xica da Silva. As depicted in the film, Xica was an 18th century black slave who used her wits and sexuality to rise to a position of prominence in colonial Brazil. Diegues' version of her story is a lively and colorful evocation of this formative era in the Brazilian past.

Zeze Motta is incredible in the title role. She brings to life a character who is sexy, playful, fiery, determined, and intelligent. The supporting cast is fine, and they play the film's comic scenes with particular gusto.

"Xica" explores the complexities of life in colonial Brazil. Phenomena addressed include economic forces, the institution of slavery, and tensions involving the Portuguese government. The character interrelationships involve the many dichotomies of that culture: white and black, male and female, slave and free, government official and outlaw. At times, the "alien" nature of the institutions and relationships depicted made me feel like I was watching a science fiction film.

"Xica" is filled with scenes of both tragedy and bawdy humor. It is rich in energy and exoticism. I strongly recommend this film to all those interested in Brazilian history, the institution of slavery, and racial/sexual politics.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Xica da Silva e uma bellisma historia do fantastico Brasil!!, May 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Xica [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a story based both on legend and history. It is a really fun movie to watch and it captures the feeling of the wealth and splendor that colonial Brazil was. Xica is a slave who uses her seductive talents and sexuality to seduce powerful men to get to the highest social status possible. It is a fasinating story and the cinematography captures many sights of the old and beautiful city of Ouro Preto in the State of Minas Gerais. It is Great for any one who wants to begin learning aobut the history of the fantastic country of Brazil. Se mostra Brazil numa boa! O filme vale a pena!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars story of a black woman who uses her wits to rise socially, February 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Xica [VHS] (VHS Tape)

At one time, Americans thought of Brazil as somewhat of a racial paradise. This movie, based on real events, helps dispel this notion. In a racially biased society, Xica,a black female slave who wants to move up socially, does so by using her sexual talents to seduce men who can be helpful to her. She seduces the most powerful man in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais: the new Contractor of Mines. But Xica finds that having the backing of a powerful man still does not bring her social acceptance, as she experiences a number of rebuffs and humiliations from the whites in the society. The whites are scandalized by the black mistress and do what they can to bring Xica back down to where she "belongs." Besides being sociologically interesting, the movie is also somewhat erotic, making for an intereting blend. Dr. Patrick L. Cooney, Ph.D. in sociology