Brazil is often seen by foreigners as an exotic country, famous for soccer, beaches, and Carnival. The same perception happens with many Brazilians who view certain African and Asian countries as exotic.

However, this generalization can create misleading stereotypes. Not all Brazilians love soccer, just as not all cultural elements define an entire nation. Brazil is incredibly diverse—there are multiple “Brazils” within Brazil. This is where the documentary Edifício Master plays a crucial role in challenging these perceptions.

What Is Edifício Master?

Edifício Master is a 2002 documentary directed by Eduardo Coutinho. The film takes place in a residential building in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, which has 12 floors, 23 apartments per floor, and houses around 500 residents in its 276 apartments.

Coutinho and his production team stayed in one of the building’s apartments for a month, interviewing several residents and capturing a raw, intimate portrait of their lives.

Why Edifício Master Is a Must-Watch Documentary

Unlike mainstream portrayals of Brazil that emphasize its beaches and Carnival, Edifício Master provides a deep dive into the lives of everyday people. The documentary introduces a wide range of individuals—young and old, introverted and extroverted, ordinary and complex.

A Film That Sparks Emotion and Reflection

The documentary touches on universal themes such as loneliness, illness, personal frustrations, and resilience. Through the candid stories of the residents, the film removes the veil of Brazil’s “exotic” image, showing that human struggles and triumphs are not unique to one place but are shared worldwide.

Many viewers will find themselves identifying with the emotions and experiences of the interviewees, whether it’s joy, sorrow, success, or failure.

A Universal Narrative That Goes Beyond Brazil

Coutinho masterfully demonstrates that there are Edifício Masters everywhere. The people featured in the film could be living in an apartment building in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Recife, New York, Los Angeles, Rome, Paris, London, or Toronto.

The film does not rank or judge its characters—whether they are a sick elderly man or a young sex worker. Instead, it offers a space for viewers to listen, reflect, and connect with strangers whose lives, at some point, might feel strikingly familiar.

Beyond the Exotic: A Different Perspective on Brazilian Cinema

While Brazil has strong cultural markers that make it unique, Edifício Master is more aligned with the storytelling style of The Decalogue by Krzysztof Kieslowski than with films that focus on Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival or the Amazon Rainforest.

This documentary is a slice of life, an intimate testimony of the residents of one apartment building, but it could just as easily be a story about people anywhere in the world.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Watch Edifício Master

For those looking to understand Brazil beyond clichés, Edifício Master is an eye-opening experience. It strips away stereotypes and highlights the universal human experience through personal narratives.

Whether you’re interested in Brazilian culture, sociology, or simply love powerful documentaries, this film is a must-watch.

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