Meu Nome Não É Johnny (2008)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Director:

Mauro Lima

Writers:

Guilherme Fiúza (novel)
Mariza Leão (screenplay)

Release Date:

4 January 2008 (Brazil)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Plot:

The true story of João Guilherme Estrella ("Johnny"), a young middle-class bon vivant who became a big-time cocaine dealer in Rio de Janeiro in the early 1990s.

Plot Keywords:

Cocaine | Maconha | 1990s | Prison | Asylum

Awards:

13 wins & 12 nominations

Cast

Selton Mello	...	João Guilherme Estrella
Giulio Lopes	...	Pai de João / João's father
Júlia Lemmertz	...	Mãe de João / João's mother
Felipe Severo	...	João criança / child
Breno Guimarães	...	Policial Federal 1
Ellan Lustosa	...	Policial Federal 2
Gillray Coutinho	...	Advogado / Lawyer Renato
Cléo Pires	...	Sofia
Arthur Lopes	...	João adolescente / teen
Victor Lisboa Gorgulho	...	Julinho adolescente / teen
Daniel Torres	...	Boneco adolescente / teen
Rodrigo Amarante	...	Rubão
Tammy Di Calafiori	...	Laura adolescente / teen
Ângelo Paes Leme	...	Julinho
Flávio Pardal	...	Boneco

Also Known As:

My Name Ain't Johnny (International: English title)

Runtime:

124 min

Country:

Brazil

Language:

Portuguese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Brazil:14 | New Zealand:R16

Company:

Atitude Produções e Empreendimentos

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Although the movie uses the correct 80s Brazilian money bills, in some shots the pricing lists shown uses currency from nowadays.

Movie Connections:

References Sabrina (1954)

Soundtrack:

Mestre Jonas

The Raise and Redemption of a Drug-Dealer - The Most Positive Story I Have Recently Seen

In the 90's, In Rio de Janeiro, the middle-class João Guilherme Estrella (Selton Mello) is introduced to the world of drugs consuming marijuana and cocaine first and later becoming a drug-dealer with many connections inclusive in Europe. However, he spends all the money he makes in his addiction, parties with clients and friends and travels, never structuring or organizing a network or saving money. When he is arrested, he is sent to the prison first and later to the judicial asylum for treatment, reintegrating to the society. Presently João is a successful musical producer.

"Meu Nome Não É Johnny" depicts the raise and redemption of a drug-dealer in the most positive story I have recently seen. The dynamic narrative discloses the true story in a wonderful combination of drama and comedy, with the excellent Selton Mello in the lead role. The dialogs are intelligent, the corruption of police is slightly disclosed but the screenplay never goes deeper in the connections of João Guilherme – who are the suppliers or the users, for example, are totally forgotten. Have they helped Johnny later? In the prison, the relationship of João Guilherme and the criminals are also not very clear. However, the objective of the movie is achieved and I personally loved the message of the possibility of recovering of a doomed person. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Meu Nome Não É Johnny" ("My Name Is not Johnny")