Ganga Zumba

Classic cinematic proof that production values can't make a good film if the director isn't fit for the job. Moacir Santos' music, such a marvelous cast -- featuring, among young names, Cartola, one of the greatest samba singers of all time --, choreography by Filhos de Gandhy, but Diegues' underwhelming vision never fully engages all these elements on screen in a fruitful way. It seems he's always two steps behind what these artists can offer. It does still pack some powerful moments -- Pitanga screaming to the camera that they have to do something, that they have to fight no matter what, beheading the capitão do mato in the final scenes.