Call Girl (2007)

EuroThrash, Thriller,

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Maria (Soraia Chaves) a sensual call girl, is hired by Mouros (Joaquim de Almeida) to seduce Meireles (Nicolau Breyner), the Mayor of Vilanova, so that he can authorize a multinational to build a high quality resort. However, Madeira (Ivo Canelas) and Neves (Jose Raposo), PJ police detectives, discover the evidence of corruption and begin to investigate Meireles. Everything becomes even more complex when Madeira finds out that Maria, the passion of his life, is the bait that will force the politician to give way.

In my opinion this is one of the best movies made in Portugal. Even though I am not a movie expert, I believe that the comments made above by Rui Resende are a little bit too harsh. As a Portuguese citizen, he should know that - we rarely produce such good movies. If this script would be produced in Hollywood, it would certainly be a hit. So Thank you very much Mr. Vasconcelos.

The movie starts with two different stories that eventually merge. On one hand, we have this beautiful escort - obviously a magnificently gorgeous Portuguese brunette (you will fall in love with her!) - that desires a life of luxury. She gets hired by an old business partner (Joaquim d' Almeida: Clear and Present Danger, Desperado, Behind Enemy Lines, The Chronicles of Riddick, etc.) to persuade this Mayor to approve a golf resort project in this traditional little town in Alentejo. On the other, we have this ambitious/rebel young detective and his experienced partner that end up coming from Lisbon to investigate a couple of deaths in this little town - not related to the attempted bribery that is going on. After this point the movie continues at an exciting pace, and the detectives end up investigating the bribery... there are a couple of "surprises" that definitely make this movie worth watching!!! As good as any other millionaire Hollywood production with similar kind of plot, with the advantage of getting to know the Portuguese society and enjoy some beautiful scenarios. If I could improve something in this movie it would be solely the soundtrack.

If you like movies about corruption and the vices of society then you will also enjoy "Portugal S.A.", like Resende mentioned above. Nonetheless, I prefer "Call Girl". Another recent Portuguese movie that may be worth watching is "Corrupcao" - I have not seen it yet. The latter is based on a book written by a former lover of the President of a main soccer team in Portugal (F.C. Porto) and assesses the bribery of referees and the dangerous connections between the soccer world and the local government - it has also beautiful shots, including scenes in Santiago de Compostela (Spain).