Antonia Synopsis & Summary

Director Tata Amaral offers a poetic look at such difficult issues of violence, racism, and sexism in contemporary Brazil with this vibrant and uplifting tale of fourfemale rappers straining to make a name for themselves while performing on the outskirts of São Paolo. Preta (Negra Li), Mayah (Quelynah), Barbarah (Leilah Moreno) and Lena (Cindy) currently provide back-up vocals for a popular rap act named O Poder, yet despite their success with the group, the talented female singers know well that they have what it takes to strike out on their own. Eventually afforded the opportunity to perform as a group during an O Poder show in Brasilandia, the foursome debut to thrilling success and soon catch the attention of promoter Marcelo Diamante (Thaíde) - who casually offers to shepherd the girls' emerging career. Things soon get complicated, however, when jealousy prompts Preta to convince Barbarah and Lena to oust Maya from the band, and after Barbara is subsequently imprisoned for the accidental murder of a young boy who roughed up her brother, the once-promising foursome suddenly becomes a duo. But fate isn't finished with the ladies yet, because as the wave of their success begins to crest, Preta is soon forced to take the stage as a solo artist when Lena becomes pregnant and is forced by her demanding husband to choose between her family and her career. - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide