Bonitinha mas Ordinária

Bonitinha mas Ordinária, translated to English as "Pretty but Ordinary," is a Brazilian drama film directed by Nelson Pereira dos Santos. Released in 1978, the movie tackles a difficult and sensitive subject, addressing themes of class inequality, honor, rape, and the oppressive nature of Brazilian society during the time. The film centers around the story of Luiza, the 16-year-old daughter of a wealthy businessman, who lives in Rio de Janeiro. Luiza is initially portrayed as beautiful but naive, a typical damsel in distress. One fateful night, she is brutally raped by five young men from the slums of Rio, known as 'meninos' in the context of the film. The 'meninos' are depicted as struggling young men who turn to crime to survive. This violent act has devastating consequences on Luiza's life, leaving her shaken and vulnerable. Luiza's father, a wealthy businessman with a strong sense of pride and class standing, decides to take drastic measures to protect his family's honor in the face of this tragedy. To save face and avoid public scandal, he arranges Luiza's marriage to a young man named Pedro, one of his employees. This decision reflects the deep-rooted class bias prevalent in society at that time, where the upper class viewed the working class as inferior and often used them to maintain their social status. Pedro is initially hesitant but eventually accepts the arranged marriage, recognizing the opportunity it presents. He is a kind-hearted young man from a poor background but is willing to do whatever it takes to better himself. Through Pedro's character, the film raises questions about the role of class and economic status in shaping relationships and choices. The story of Bonitinha mas Ordinária serves as a reflection on the darker aspects of Brazilian society. The film critiques the class hierarchy and social norms that allowed such a heinous crime as rape to go unpunished and also allowed the victim to be further traumatized by being forced into an arranged marriage. Furthermore, the film brings to light the desperation and struggles faced by the urban poor. The cinematography in Bonitinha mas Ordinária is a poignant commentary on the stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the poor in Rio de Janeiro. The film juxtaposes the idyllic, picturesque scenes of Luiza's privileged world with the harsh, impoverished reality of the 'meninos' and their families. This visual contrast underscores the deep-seated class divisions in Brazilian society at the time. Throughout the movie, the narrative raises questions about power dynamics, social norms, and the victim's agency. Luiza's experiences are a representation of the silencing and erasure that often occur in cases of rape. She becomes a mere object of pity and a subject for her father's actions, rather than a victim with her own agency and voice. Ultimately, Bonitinha mas Ordinária is a complex and thought-provoking film that delves into the harsh realities of Brazilian society during the late 1970s. It challenges viewers to think critically about the class divisions, societal norms, and power dynamics that perpetuate such injustices. Through its powerful narrative, the film provides a haunting commentary on the darker aspects of society, shedding light on issues that continue to affect marginalized communities today.