By DEBORAH NICOL

west·ern (wes´tĕrn) A motion picture having a setting in the western U.S., especially during the latter half of the 19th century, a period of expansion and development of the frontier

Behind the Sun (Abril despedaçado) [Buna Vista]

Not your usual western, this tale involves an ancestral gang war in Brazil that becomes interrupted by a traveling carnival girl. As the next son, Tonio (Rodrigo Santoro), of one of the warring families is about to loose his life due to their unwavering revenge code, he falls in love with amazing fire-eater Clara (actual circus member Flavia Marco Antonio). Director Walter Salles (of critically acclaimed "Central Station") brings to life the beautiful novel by Ismail Kadaré, of the mythic battle between self and familial obligation in the stark desert. This movie is an excellent example of what a difference a wonderful cinematographer can make in a film. Salles' constant Walter Carvahlo not only relays the story through his lens, but breathes life and magic into every scene. Point-of-view proves important both visually and metaphorically, as film and story flow into each other as honey into honey comb. The DVD presentation is in glorious 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, and only includes a trailer, but the movie is too visually beautiful to pass for lack of extras. - DN

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