Reviews of the dub are a fantastic mix of derision and admiration. One IMDb review famously calls it "atrocious," claiming the "fairly serious plot is certainly not helped by the atrocious English dubbing of the existing VHS version" . Another viewer says they "watched the dubbed film in fascinated disbelief," finding the dialogue idiotic and the pacing strange . This is what makes it so memorable. The film is already a melodrama, and the stilted, over-the-top English voice acting pushes it into the realm of pure entertainment. Others have noted it's "an absolute must for Xuxa fans, one of only a few of her English language performances," adding an extra layer of rarity for collectors .
You can often find physical DVD copies or imports on sites specializing in rare or "exploitation" cinema.
The film features gorgeous, moody cinematography by Hélio Silva. The camera glides through the corridors of the mansion like a ghost, reflecting Hugo’s own status as a silent, invisible observer. The use of shadow, rich textures, and warm lighting creates a dreamlike, almost claustrophobic atmosphere. Striking Sound Design
No discussion of "Love Strange Love" is complete without addressing the massive controversy that surrounds it. The mere existence of a film featuring a pre-teen boy in sexual situations with adult women was enough to make it scandalous. However, the story took a dramatic turn thanks to Xuxa Meneghel. As Xuxa's career skyrocketed into becoming a beloved children's television host, her past role in such a provocative film became a significant liability. Reviews of the dub are a fantastic mix
The story is told through the memories of an adult man named Hugo, looking back at a pivotal moment in his childhood. As a 12-year-old boy, Hugo is sent to live with his mother, Anna, who manages an upscale bordello patronized by wealthy politicians and military figures.
Following her rise to fame as a children’s television host, Xuxa engaged in a decades-long legal battle to prevent the film’s distribution in Brazil, fearing it would damage her wholesome image. For years, the movie was essentially "erased" from the Brazilian market, making bootleg copies and international releases highly sought after by collectors.
Here is a deep dive into why this 1982 film is an awesome, essential watch for fans of vintage arthouse cinema, the history behind its censorship, and what to expect from the English dubbed release. The Plot: A Haunting Coming-of-Age Story This is what makes it so memorable
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The 1982 Brazilian drama (released internationally as Love Strange Love ) remains one of the most controversial, intensely debated, and misunderstood films in South American cinema history. Directed by Walter Hugo Khouri, the movie is frequently searched by cinephiles looking for the rare, elusive English dubbed version . Beyond its sensationalized reputation, Amor Estranho Amor is a beautifully shot, psychologically complex piece of auteur cinema that subverts expectations.
If you strip away the tabloid sensationalism, Amor Estranho Amor stands as a captivating, deeply uncomfortable piece of art. It is not an easy or comfortable watch, nor is it meant to be. It is a haunting tone poem about memory, power, and the end of childhood innocence. For those who appreciate uncompromising, taboo-defying international cinema from the golden era of the 1980s, it easily earns its reputation as an awesome, unforgettable viewing experience. You can often find physical DVD copies or
While the subject matter is undeniably shocking by modern standards, film historians and international audiences frequently praise Amor Estranho Amor for its high artistic merit. 1. Masterful Direction by Walter Hugo Khouri
user wants a long article about the 1982 Brazilian film "Amor Estranho Amor" (Love Strange Love), focusing on why it's considered an awesome movie, particularly the English dubbed version. I need to gather information about the film's plot, cast, production, controversy, and its reputation. I'll follow the search plan provided. search results provide initial links. I need to open the Wikipedia page, the IMDb page, the CVMC page, and the Wikipedia page for the original Portuguese version to gather comprehensive information. Wikipedia page provides plot details. I also need to find information about the English dubbed version and why it's considered "awesome". I will search for reviews, articles, and any mentions of the English dub. need to gather more information about the plot, the cast, the controversy, and the reception. I will also look for articles that discuss the film's cult status and its English dubbed version. have gathered a significant amount of information. Now I need to structure the article. The user's request is for a "long article" that is "awesome" and "best". I will need to write a comprehensive and engaging article covering the film's plot, cast, production, controversy, the English dubbed version, its cult status, and why it might be considered "awesome". I will cite the sources I have found. I should also search for more information on the English dubbing quality, as some reviews mention it's "atrocious". I will also look for any positive reviews or aspects that could be considered "awesome". that I have gathered a substantial amount of information, I can begin writing the article. The structure will include: an introduction to the film; a detailed plot synopsis; a look at the cast and characters; an analysis of the English dubbed version; an exploration of the film's controversy and cult status; a discussion of why some consider it "awesome"; and finally, a conclusion. I will cite sources throughout. is a comprehensive article about the 1982 Brazilian film, "Amor Estranho Amor" (Love Strange Love), focusing on its infamous English-dubbed version and why it has earned a cult reputation.