Director: Alê Abreu | Brazil | Animation | 2013 | 80 mins
Film source: GKids
Somewhere in a rural part of a distant world, a young boy named Cuca lives with his parents. The images are soft, simple and uncluttered; flute music scores the scene. One day, Cuca’s father leaves to go find work in the city. Notes of sadness and complication are introduced, and Cuca decides to set off on a journey of his own. As he wanders far and wide, encountering a colorful myriad of characters and circumstances, discovering the richness and vagaries of the world, the animation reflects his expanding perspective, becoming more vibrant and vivid. Sounds of samba and Brazilian hip-hop underscore Cuca’s adventure and issues of progress, class, industry, and the environment are subtly raised. Director Alê Abreu’s beautifully rendered, dialogue-free film is an emotionally resonant, visually enthralling, utterly charming tale perfectly suited for audiences of all ages.