O Mandarim Synopsis & Summary

This experimental Brazilian film offers a tuneful, decidedly unique look at the life of Brazil's first recording artist Mario Reis, who was well loved for making his music accessible to audiences from every social stratum. Reis also discovered some of his country's most popular singers including Noel Rosa Ismael Silva and composers such as Tom Jobim and Hector Villa-Lobos. The film playfully unfolds like a fractured music video feature many kitschy images interspersed with actual performances. - Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide