Review of Possible Loves (2001) by Raven [ — 07 Feb 2007

[FONT=Courier New]Who knew that single movie date could be so important. "Amores Possiveis," otherwise known as "Possible Loves," finds Carlos fifteen years later after being stood up for a movie by Julia. The film proposes three different lives for Carlos stemming from that one pivotal movie date. In the first life, Carlos is financial success stuck in a dull marriage. In the second life, Carlos has left his marriage with Julia, as well as their son, to pursue a gay relationship. And in the third life, Carlos is an immature bachelor living with his mother. In all three cases, Carlos finds himself reunited with Julia.

While the concept behind the film may be gimmicky, the intentions to portray the complexities of love are honest. In addition, the acting is marvelously subtle. Murilo Benicio as Carlos and Carolina Ferraz as Julia are completely different characters in each of the three different lives. Not only do they look different, the actors successfully adopt completely different mannerisms. Yet, in essence, the character they play is still the same in the end.

On the other hand, the editing is rather sloppy. From shot to shot, there are multiple, rather obvious, errors. The film also suffers from some inconsistencies in the script. In trying to create a new fifteen years in each possible life, explanations simply don't add up right. Then, of course, there is the fact that the film completely ignores some of the other issues that are far too prevalent to be dismissed. Due to this, "Amores Posseveis" really is reduced to fluff viewing.

In the end, "Amores Posseveis" is marked with exceptional acting and mediocre storytelling resulting in a comfortable viewing experience.[/FONT].