Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brazilian dramedy with some strong language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cheers to Life
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CHEERS TO LIFE (VIVA A VIDA) follows Jessica (Thati Lopes), a feisty young woman from Rio de Janeiro who discovers a mysterious locket that leads her on a journey to Israel in search of her family's hidden past. Alongside Gabriel (Rodrigo Simas), an enchanting stranger who may be her cousin, she uncovers long-buried secrets, reconnects with lost relatives, and slowly learns to open her heart and trust others. As the trip challenges her views on love, forgiveness, and identity, Jessica finds a deeper connection to her cultural roots and discovers that healing often begins with forgiveness and second chances.
Is It Any Good?
This is an entertaining, if uneven, Brazilian comedy-drama that leans heavily on clichéd plot twists and emotional shortcuts. The story of Cheers to Life throws in a few too many convenient revelations, and even a couple of eyebrow-raising incest jokes, that feel more manipulative than meaningful. Regardless, the charm and chemistry of the cast, especially leads Thati Lopes as Jessica and Rodrigo Simas as "himbo" Gabriel, help smooth over some of the more predictable narrative bumps. You can see the ending coming from a mile away, and the film's insistence on embracing "the journey, not the destination" feels more silly than profound.
Jonas Bloch as Ben is the film's secret weapon, bringing surprising depth and heart as a man rediscovering the joy of truly living. His quiet gravitas offers a necessary counterbalance to Lopes, whose broad comedic choices don't always serve the story's more emotional beats. While the film may be too talky and culturally specific for many kids, older teens and their parents might enjoy it as breezy, feel-good fare.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the film portrays the process of embracing your cultural roots. Why do you think this is important? What do you know about your roots?
Did the film's emotional revelations play out smoothly, or did they feel forced into the plot? Why?
Why do you think Ben had forgotten how to live his life with more passion and excitement? How does he learn how to live fully again?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 11, 2025
- Cast : Thati Lopes , Jonas Bloch , Rodrigo Simas
- Director : Cris D'Amato
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , South American Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s) , South American Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Elo Studios
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 24, 2025
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