Customer Reviews

Xica [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"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.

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!

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

While this movie may not be the "best" that Brazilian cinema has to offer, I think that it provides a detailed look into the complexities of race in Brazil, especially its historical origins. Note the difference in how the Brazilian-born diamond govt. employee treats Xica versus the pretentious Portuguese nobleman. This difference symbolizes the very thing that makes race relations in Brazil so hard to explain to foreigners, especially Americans. It also has some kick-tushy music by Jorge Ben; you'll finish the movie humming the continuous theme of the movie "Xica da.. Xica da.. Xica da Silva".

This Item was the wrong thing I order? Now I am Stuck with a Expensive Tape I couldn't Return, This Suck!

Could someone please tell me if this VHS has subtitles? And is it NTSC? Thanks so much!!

This is one of those great movies that is extremely under-rated. Xica is an African slave in Brazil who overcomes her bonds of slavery and masters her master using her feminine wiles. This is definitely a must-see movie!

I gave this video as a gift to a person who started watching the tv show 'xica'. This is a novela from the 90s that is being aired again. Several family members love it, and they thought it was cool to get the vhs movie version. I would recommend to anyone who likes to watch novelas.

It is Ok but original story is too long to put it on a movies, I like the soupophera best.

After watching the TV version of the movie I can say that Xica Da Silva is one of the best black stories ever.Full of romance,sex,nudity and blood,this movie gives us an idea of how slaves were treated.Xica became one of my fave stories ever.This story hasn't been explore too much because of it strong content.Even though it's a great story it's a little odd for people to get the real point of it without seeing it as a vulgarity.