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Review Summary

A bold Brazilian melodrama that moves to the rhythm of the streets, “Antonia” traces a year in the lives of four young women who form a rap group and fend off tragedy. Tired of singing backup to male rap stars, Preta (Negra Li), Lena (Cindy), Barbarah (Leilah Moreno) and Mayah (Quelynah) — all successful musicians in real life — rehearse their own music and acquire an agent. But when the group falls prey to brutal violence, internal jealousies and an unplanned pregnancy, the girls learn that escape from poverty will require more than fierce rhymes. The third feature in a trilogy by Tata Amaral, “Antonia” pulses with color and movement. Filmed in the São Paulo suburb of Vila Brasilândia, the movie has an earthy realism underscored by naturalistic performances and a restless camera. Maximizing her nonprofessional cast of Brazilian hip-hop performers, the director fills the soundtrack with a vibrant blend of R&B;, soul and rap. When the group sings an a cappella version of “Killing Me Softly,” you may forget to breathe. — Jeannette Catsoulis , The New York Times