In a cut-throat world Dora (Fernanda Montenegro) earns a living writing letters for illiterate people in Rio de Janieros Central Station. Fate gives her the responsibility of looking after newly orphaned Josue (Vinicius de Oliveira). Initially she rejects the task but then changes her mind. On the surface, the rest of the story is a road movie as Dora helps Josue try to find his missing father. Yet underneath, this is a film about a transforming relationship and a womans journey towards redemption.

Montenegros wonderful performance is devoid of sentimentality she realises the process of change so subtly that it is hard to spot the turning point as she becomes a better person. Salles directs with the lightest of touches coaxing sensitive performances from street child Vincius de Oliveira as well as Montenegro. He also shows us a side of Brazil not many of us know the vast interior with its sprawling new cities and religiosity. Though the storyline is not new, the direction and performances combine to give us something very special.

“Central Station is both literate and emotionally-powerful – an increasingly rare combination. It does not rely upon camera tricks or overwrought performances to touch the viewer“. James Berardinelli, RealViews

“Salles imagery, like his storytelling, is clear, often unaffectedly lovely, and quietly powerfully haunting.” Richard Schickel, Time magazine