Casa Grande

The big house of the title is indeed a very large one in a chic neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, where Jean (17) lives with his younger sister and parents. Naturally, there is also staff: a driver and two housekeepers. Jean is in his last year at secondary school, has to choose what to study and is busy with girls, his appearance and nightlife – as he should be. Above this well-organised and elitist world, dark clouds gather when it becomes apparent that his dad, without informing his children, has nearly used up all his money.
This first fiction feature by Fellipe Barbosa, who previously made it clear with the documentary Laura that he had an excellent eye for the customs of the New York upper class, provides a sharply drawn and authentic picture of growing up among the elite of Rio. He also reveals himself to be an excellent narrator who regards his characters both critically and lovingly, with subtle detail; worried parents, unconcerned maidservant, girlfriend from a different class, a sister no one listens to.
While looking at grand and topical themes such as class differences and racism, Casa Grande is nonetheless also very personal and partly autobiographical. The cast, acting naturally and comprising a well-chosen mix of TV stars and non-professional actors, clearly are enjoying their work.