RIO: A BIRD’S EYE VIEW JOURNEY THROUGH BRAZIL

As I sat down in the cinema chair and got my 3D glasses on, I didn’t know what to expect from Rio, apart from it being in Brazil. Its beginning, the character’s human insight and travels to South America in search of something missing is similar to Pete Docter and Bob Peterson’s hit UP. Despite these crucial similarities, Rio contains certain differences that make this film a magical work of art.

The story starts with the Macaw Blu (Jesse Eisenbern) being taken from its habitat into Minnesota, USA under the care of a girl called Linda (Leslie Mann). As years pass by, their relationship grows stronger, developing a lifestyle segregated from the rest of the world. This doesn’t last long when Tulio, a Brazilian ornithologist shows up and tells Linda Blu must be taken to Brazil in order for him to mate with the only female of his species: Jewel (Anne Hathaway). At first she is reluctant, but later on gives up on the idea and takes her precious bird to Rio the Janeiro for an unforgettable adventure beyond their expectations; and their journey begins.

Blu, even though looking native, is a complete stranger in this exotic land. It is time for the carnival and Rio de Janeiro is full of life, as expected. His life takes an unexpected turn when he and Jewel are kidnapped. Our main character is out in the wilderness of Brazil without his master for once and therefore feels scared. From this moment on we see him convert from a domesticated, introverted bird who cannot fly to a brave flying Macaw true and proud of his roots.

Blu, along with his owner Linda, faces his fears, gets out of his comfort zone and finds true love, great friends and they both make what was once a strange land, their home.

This film has an extraordinary casting, music, directing and animation that really make it what it is: Amazing. The choice of Will.I.AM and Jaime Foxx as Blu’s friends, along with Jemaine Clement as Nigel, the villain ugly bird, couldn’t have been better. Director Carlos Saldahna really makes another hit after his Ice Age success.

Rio is as funny as it is moving, showing the audience the possibility of choices in life and making decisions. Life can be a scary journey, especially when things don’t turn out as planned. But once we go through all those trials, and learn to fly like Blu, we discover that freedom, happiness and peace of mind is something truly worth fighting for.