Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

✅ Yes, if you are:

A cult cinema completist.

Interested in pre-AIDS, pre-censorship 1980s erotic art films.

Curious about Xuxa’s bizarre pre-fame role.

A fan of slow-burn psychological drama with lush cinematography.

❌ No, if you:

Are triggered by on-screen child nudity or sexual situations (simulated, but explicit by implication).

Expect a fast-paced exploitation thriller. This is a meditative, uncomfortable character study.

Rating (for cult fans): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Rating (general audiences): ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) – approach with extreme caution.

4. Why This Movie is Considered "Awesome"

The "Xuxa" Factor: For many, the appeal is historical. Seeing Xuxa in a dramatic, adult role is a stark contrast to her later image as a family-friendly entertainer. She delivers a performance that is surprisingly grounded and seductive.

Atmosphere: Director Walter Hugo Khouri was known as the "Brazilian Bergman." He utilizes long takes, soft lighting, and a melancholic score to create a mood that is more artistic than exploitative.

The Coming-of-Age Theme: Beneath the erotic veneer, the film is a poignant look at the loss of innocence. It captures the confusion of childhood with a surprising amount of emotional weight.

Amor Estranho Amor Love Strange Love 1982 English Dubbed Awesome Movie Upd

Amor Estranho Amor (known internationally as Love Strange Love ) is a 1982 Brazilian erotic drama directed by Walter Hugo Khouri

. It is famously known for its long-standing legal controversy and the early appearance of Brazilian icon Xuxa Meneghel Movie Overview

: The film is a memory-driven story told by an adult man named Hugo who returns to his childhood home. He recalls 48 hours in 1937 when, as a 12-year-old boy, he lived with his mother in a high-class bordello during a period of intense political upheaval in Brazil.

: It explores themes of sexual awakening, political corruption, and the loss of innocence within a lush, atmospheric setting. Key Cast & Crew : Walter Hugo Khouri. Vera Fischer

(Anna): Plays Hugo's mother; she won Best Actress at the 15th Festival de Brasília for this role. Xuxa Meneghel

(Tamara): Plays a young woman in the bordello who seduces the young Hugo. Marcelo Ribeiro (Hugo): The child actor who portrays the young protagonist. The Xuxa Controversy The film is notorious because Amor Estranho Amor (known internationally as Love Strange

, who later became Brazil's most famous children's television host, spent decades fighting to keep it out of circulation. Legal Battle

: She sued for years to prevent the film's distribution on VHS and TV, claiming it damaged her image as a "Children's Queen". Ban Lifted

: In 2017, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court finally lifted the restrictions, allowing the film to be broadcast and sold again. It officially debuted on Brazilian television in February 2021. English Dubbed & Viewing Information Availability : While originally in Portuguese, English dubbed versions

exist, primarily from older VHS releases and some specialty DVD retailers like

: Critical opinions on the English dubbing vary; some reviewers describe the dubbing as "atrocious," while others consider the film a "rare gem" of world cinema despite the poor audio translation. The "Xuxa" Factor: For many

: The film is occasionally available on arthouse streaming platforms like depending on regional licensing.

3. Watch: English Dubbed Version

Per your request for the English dubbed version, this film is rarely available on mainstream streaming platforms in HD. However, the full feature has been preserved in a watchable format.

[▶ WATCH: Love Strange Love (1982) - English Dubbed]

(Note: As this is a catalog title not currently in wide commercial circulation, the version linked is often sourced from VHS transfers or international television broadcasts. The English dub adds a layer of vintage cinematic charm typical of 80s foreign film releases.)

1. The Profile

This film is one of the most discussed and sought-after pieces of Brazilian cinema from the 80s, largely due to the performance of a young Xuxa Meneghel (who would later become the "Queen of Latin Pop" and a massive children's television icon). The film creates a dreamlike, nostalgic atmosphere that is distinct from typical erotic dramas of the era. uncomfortable character study.

Starring:

Vera Fischer as Anna
Tarcísio Meira as Dr. Osmar
Xuxa Meneghel as Tamara
Marcelo Ribeiro as Hugo (Adult)
Cássio Gabus Mendes as Hugo (Child)

Amor Estranho Amor (1982): A Banned Journey Through Forbidden Desire – English Dub Review

Also known as: Love, Strange Love
Country: Brazil
Director: Walter Hugo Khouri
Genre: Erotic Drama / Psychological coming-of-age
Availability: Cult classic, English dubbed version (rare)

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

✅ Yes, if you are:

A cult cinema completist.
Interested in pre-AIDS, pre-censorship 1980s erotic art films.
Curious about Xuxa’s bizarre pre-fame role.
A fan of slow-burn psychological drama with lush cinematography.

❌ No, if you:

Are triggered by on-screen child nudity or sexual situations (simulated, but explicit by implication).
Expect a fast-paced exploitation thriller. This is a meditative, uncomfortable character study.

Rating (for cult fans): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Rating (general audiences): ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5) – approach with extreme caution.

4. Why This Movie is Considered "Awesome"

The "Xuxa" Factor: For many, the appeal is historical. Seeing Xuxa in a dramatic, adult role is a stark contrast to her later image as a family-friendly entertainer. She delivers a performance that is surprisingly grounded and seductive.
Atmosphere: Director Walter Hugo Khouri was known as the "Brazilian Bergman." He utilizes long takes, soft lighting, and a melancholic score to create a mood that is more artistic than exploitative.
The Coming-of-Age Theme: Beneath the erotic veneer, the film is a poignant look at the loss of innocence. It captures the confusion of childhood with a surprising amount of emotional weight.