Estômago (Stomach) (2007) – My Opinion

Estômago (2007) – My Opinion A Brazilian work of art. The film features memorable scenes—moments that captivate and move the audience—such as the naivety of the protagonist, who ends up imprisoned after falling in love with a prostitute. Nonato became a chef after moving from Brazil's Northeast region to Curitiba (Paraná). His first job opportunity was making *pastéis* (fried pastries) at a bar; his only pay was a flea-infested room and a daily meal. The scene where he transitions from the bar to a job at a restaurant marks the worst choice of his life; it is there that he is introduced to *picanha*—not just the prime cut of beef, but a concept the restaurant owner describes by equating the cut of meat to a woman's buttocks, claiming the latter is the best part of a woman. This scene might seem insignificant at first, but it has a massive impact on the film's final minutes... Speaking of the final minutes... Remember the prostitute Nonato fell in love with? They are supposed to get married... Actually... no... Nonato catches the prostitute leaving with the owner of the new restaurant where he works, and he ends up stabbing them both. Ah, and do you remember what the "best part" of a woman is? Nonato prepares his final meal using that very part of the woman. The film excels in its screenplay, cinematography, acting, atmosphere, and—above all—its direction. It makes you reflect on the extremes to which a human being might go when faced with heartbreak. It also portrays the social injustice that plagues Brazilian (and global) society. Rating: 8.2