Chá Forte com Limão (1993)

In the summer of 1870, Raquel, who owns a farm, and lives secluded in her mansion with an old butler and a handful of servants, feels proud when an odd acquaintance comes by. Adriana and ... See full summary »

Director:

António de Macedo

Writers:

Jean Léon (dialogue), António de Macedo (dialogue),

Stars:

Eugénia Bettencourt, Anabela Teixeira, Jean-Pierre Cassel

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Eugénia Bettencourt	...	Adriana
Anabela Teixeira	...	Ermesinda
Jean-Pierre Cassel	...	Tiago
Filipe da Costa	...	Jaime
Isabel de Castro	...	Raquel
Filipe Ferrer	...	Colonel
Alexandre de Sousa	...	Count
Luísa Barbosa	...	Carlota
Maria José	...	Emília
Carlos Daniel	...	Henrique
Rui Pedro	...	Tiago (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Rui Pedro Cardoso	...	Tiago

Storyline

In the summer of 1870, Raquel, who owns a farm, and lives secluded in her mansion with an old butler and a handful of servants, feels proud when an odd acquaintance comes by. Adriana and her daughter-in-law, Ermesinda, a very young girl, just happen to be visiting - the second time in 15 years for Adriana, and the first time for the teenager Ermesinda. The meeting seems to be pleasant, and yet, for reasons untold, there is coldness and reserve between Adriana and Raquel. Their ambiguous relationship will be revealed, when by accident old wounds are reopened.

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Plot Keywords:

1870s

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

Portugal France

Language:

Portuguese

Release Date:

21 May 1993 (Portugal)

Also Known As:

Strong Tea with Lemon

Filming Locations:

Penacova, Lorvão, Portugal

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinequanon, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Instituto Português de Cinema (IPC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

I thought this would be a drag but I was completely wrong!

Chá forte com limão is portuguese for something like:"Strong tea with lemon".By seeing the title of this movie and it's publicity on television anyone would think this was just another of those movies that does nothing more than to portray the society(especially the upper-classes)of the 19th century!It was what I thought anyway.Not that I strongly dislike that type of movies.It's just that most of the times they don't provide a REAL entertaining cinematic experience.

Fortunately it wasn't the case of Antonio Macedo's film.It really was a truly good surprise.I started watching the movie just because of Anabela Teixeira(she has really really amazing eyes)but after only 10 minutes I discovered much much more. It tells us the story of Adriana(Eugénia Bettencourt) and Ermesinda(Anabela Teixeira)that go visit their cousin and aunt respectively to have some tea and end up staying in her mysterious mansion for 3 days.In that space of time many strange and surprising things start to happen.

The great plot, the good technical direction by Antonio Macedo,the thrilling sound score and the marvellous actor work,especially Isabel de Castro as the twisted Aunt Raquel and Carlos Daniel as her younger brother Henrique(very spooky character)in one of his last works.They all contributed to keep me on the edge of the seat.LOTS of twists in this great story so don't you miss it!At least check out the trailer because Anabela's eyes are truly remarkable.

I give it an 8 out of 10.Very,very good surprise!