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An elderly man living in a seaside community in Rio recalls the story of his life in this gentle comedy drama. Alberto (Marco Nanini) is a man about to turn 90, and as his birthday (and the attendant party planned by his friends and family) looms closer, Alberto finds himself looking back on the remarkable and curious events of his life. With his friends at his side, Alberto recalls the history of his village, his discovery by his adopted parents as an infant foundling, losing his virginity in a local brothel, some disastrous experiences during the war, and his long and only periodically eventful life at home. While his life with his friends and family confirm that in his own quiet way Alberto has led a charmed life, he has a rather dramatic surprise in store for the attendees at his birthday celebration. Copacabana received its North American premier at the 2003 Santa Barbara Film Festival.