The Secret Agent, the much heralded Brazilian film

[Auggie]

1. I thought it was stunning, but ...

bloated in length. Following the beginning gas station scene -- which was brilliantly suspenseful -- the film bogged down until the introduction of the Elza character. That build-up could have been trimmed by maybe 20-30 minutes and would have made for an even better film without sacrificing much of the rich tapestry, as you put it.

I recommend it too. It's definitely Oscar-worthy despite, IMO, it's excessive length.

Can also rent via Apple for $9.99. That's how I watched it.