The film is shot with a soft-focus, hazy lens that emphasizes the "memory" aspect of the story. The lighting is moody, casting shadows that reflect the moral ambiguity of the characters. Khouri does not judge the characters harshly; instead, he portrays the brothel as a self-contained universe with its own rules.
In 2021, the legal injunction was finally lifted, allowing the film to be legally broadcast and streamed in Brazil. Today, it is viewed as a significant example of Cinema Boca do Lixo —a movement of independent filmmaking in São Paulo—and a testament to Khouri’s distinct, albeit disturbing, directorial vision. Amor.Estranho.Amor.-Love.Strange.Love-.1982.VHS...
Young Hernâni: Portrayed with a mix of passivity and curiosity, his interactions reveal the porous boundary between coerced and consensual in asymmetrical power contexts. The characterization resists simple condemnation or sympathy, reflecting Khouri’s interest in moral ambiguity. The film is shot with a soft-focus, hazy