Brazil is big. Bigger that the European continent, bigger than the United Sates. Its history and people are equally impressive and Michael Palin’s documentary series, ‘Brazil’ is an excellent way to learn more about the country and cultural diversity. This binge-worthy four-part series is entertaining, informative and… addictive.
1Episode One: Out of Africa
Michael Palin’s Brazil documentary takes its first steps in the Brazilian Northeast and the cattle ranching city of Sao Luis to meet up with Brazilian Cowboys. Then he heads south, along the coast to Recife and the breathtaking lagoons in Lencois Maranhenses national park before arriving in Salvador to explore the Afro-Brazilian culture of music with Olodum; Capoeria’s dance traditions, and the secrets of Bahian cooking and cosine.
2Episode Two: Into Amazonia
A turn of the compass brings Michael Palin to the depths of the Amazon to meet the Yanomami and Wauja tribes and their ways of life. Then, it’s on to the great river itself to visit the free-trade city of Manus with its magnificent Opera House. Palin stops in Belem, near the mouth of the Amazon to savor an unusual menu of Amazonian eats before reaching the Federal District of Brasilia, when he is introduced to political activist Dinho Ouro Preto.
3Episode Three: Road To Rio
For Michael Palin, the road to Rio begins in the landlocked city of Minas Gerias, the heart of Brazil’s impressive mineral wealth. Then, it’s on to Rio De Janeiro itself, where Palin learns about Rio beach etiquette, announce-pranks a soccer game, checks out a seedy brothel and tours the day-to-day life in a favela to understand how the city is working to improve conditions there. Another chapter in Michael Palin’s Brazil documentary.
4Episode Four: The Deep South
Leaving the sun-kissed beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema behind, Michael Palin visits the picturesque colonial city of Parati where he is introduced to Brazilian royalty, Prince João de Bragança. In Sao Paulo, Palin talks about Brazil’s future with business leaders, media stars and politicians. He relaxes with the sheer natural beauty of the Panatal wetlands before ending his Brazilian adventure at the glorious waterfalls at Iguazu, at the country’s border with Argentina.
