Astro: An Urban Fable in a Magical Rio de Janeiro

Synopsis

Astro: An Urban Fable in a Magical Rio de Janeiro is a 2012 Brazilian fantasy drama directed by Laís Bodanzky. The film blends elements of reality and fantasy through the journey of Astro, a young man navigating the vibrant, mystical streets of Rio de Janeiro. As Astro encounters different characters and surreal experiences, the narrative explores themes of identity, urban life, and the imaginative spirit of the city. With Alexandra Dahlström playing a key role, the movie unfolds as a visually rich fable that captures the magical realism and cultural uniqueness of Rio's urban landscape.

Cast

• 

  Alexandra Dahlström

  Astro

• 

  Verônica Debom

  Alice

• 

  Regina Duarte

  Neighbour

• 

  Odilon Wagner

  Henrique

• 

  Cláudio Cavalcanti

  Dr. Ismael Salgado

• Gabi Brites

  Carol

Reviews

Critically, Astro: An Urban Fable in a Magical Rio de Janeiro received mixed to negative reviews. On IMDb, it holds a modest rating of 5.1/10, reflecting a generally lukewarm reception from audiences. Critics praised the film's ambitious attempt to blend fantasy with a vivid portrayal of Rio's cityscape, noting the cinematography and imaginative set design as notable highlights. Alexandra Dahlström's performance also garnered some appreciation for adding depth to the magical realism theme. However, many reviewers found the story lacking in coherence and emotional engagement. Some felt the plot meandered too much, and the narrative arc was underdeveloped, which detracted from the overall impact. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film does not have a high critical consensus or a broad spectrum of reviews, indicating a niche appeal primarily among audiences who appreciate art-house and experimental cinema. Metacritic does not list the movie, which suggests limited mainstream critical coverage. Overall, while Astro offers a visually captivating journey through a magical Rio, it struggles to fully connect with viewers in terms of storytelling and pacing.