The story is framed as a memory of Hugo, an adult man who returns to his family home and recalls a pivotal 48-hour period from his childhood. At 12 years old, Hugo is sent by his grandmother to live with his mother, Anna ( Vera Fischer
The voice acting in the classic English dub preserves the melodrama and existential dread of the original Portuguese dialogue. It highlights the universal themes of the script—loneliness, the passage of time, the corrupting nature of adult society, and the haunting persistence of childhood memories. Why It Stands Out as an Awesome, Must-Watch Movie
Despite its heavy themes, many viewers defend the film as an artistic masterpiece rather than mere exploitation:
Halfway through, Dona Laura watches from a hidden alcove, a cold smile on her lips. She is not a voyeur of lust, but of power. She has claimed the boy—not as a lover, but as a possession.
For international audiences, seeing Brazilian superstar Xuxa (the "Queen of Children’s Television") in a very, very adult role is jarring. The English dub adds another layer of surrealism. Hearing her speak dubbed English while looking completely out of her element is a cult movie moment you will never forget. The story is framed as a memory of
Why watch (and when not to)
For non-Portuguese speakers, the is a revelation. While purists often sneer at dubbing, this particular English dub has become legendary for several reasons:
As a 12-year-old boy, Hugo is sent to live with his mother, Anna, who manages a luxurious, upscale brothel owned by an influential politician. The film observes the adult world entirely through the eyes of the young Hugo. He becomes a silent witness to the decadent, corrupt, and highly sexualized environments of the ruling class. The central tension of the film builds around Hugo’s confusing emotional and physical awakening, his relationship with his mother, and his interactions with a young girl named Tamara. Why It Became an "Awesome Movie" Legacy
But if you want —a film that is equal parts beautiful painting and psychological horror— Love Strange Love (1982) in its English-dubbed glory is an unforgettable experience. Why It Stands Out as an Awesome, Must-Watch
Set in 1937 São Paulo, the film follows young Hugo as he is sent by his grandmother to live with his mother, (played by Vera Fischer ), who resides in a high-end brothel frequented by powerful politicians.
The framework of Love Strange Love is built around the heavy burden of recollection. The movie is told entirely in flashback as a prominent, fifty-something politician (referred to as "Your Excellency") returns to an old mansion that he is preparing to donate to charity. This setting triggers a rush of vivid, haunting memories from 45 years prior, taking the audience back to 1937 São Paulo. A Coming-of-Age in a Golden Cage
Exploring the Cinematic History of "Amor Estranho Amor" (1982)
Amor Estranho Amor is not a casual watch, nor is it a conventional Hollywood thriller. It is a challenging, deeply provocative piece of 1980s transgressive cinema. Those searching for the movie under the banner of "best awesome movie" will find a hauntingly poetic, technically brilliant, and historically significant film that forces the audience to confront the darkest corners of human nature and memory. Rather than a cheap exploitation film
If you want the experience of Love Strange Love , the English dubbed version is the definitive cult artifact. It transforms a serious Brazilian art film into a glorious piece of midnight movie insanity.
Rather than a cheap exploitation film, Amor Estranho Amor is a slow-burn, melancholic psychological drama. It captures the alienation, loneliness, and confusion of a child trapped in an adult environment.
), a young woman brought to the house to entertain a wealthy diplomat. The film culminates in Hugo's initiation into manhood, occurring just as Brazil undergoes major political shifts following the 1937 coup. Production and Cast