Watch The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student

The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student is a coming-of-age comedy drama that tells the story of Barbara, a teenager from Brazil who participates in an exchange program and travels to Finland. The movie is a Brazilian production with a Finnish setting, shot on location in Helsinki. Barbara is played by Larissa Manoela, a popular Brazilian actress and singer who rose to fame in the telenovela world. Barbara's best friend in Brazil, Luiza (played by Thati Lopes), is also part of the exchange program, but Luiza is traveling to another country. The two friends make a pact to keep a diary during their exchange, so they can share their experiences with each other when they return home.

Barbara arrives in Finland with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She meets her host family, the Niemis, who are warm and welcoming, but don't speak much English. Barbara's Finnish is limited, so communication is challenged from the start. The movie is bilingual, with scenes in Portuguese and Finnish, and subtitles in English.

Barbara attends a Finnish high school, where she meets local students who become her friends. She is fascinated by the cultural differences between Brazil and Finland, and tries to adapt to the new environment. The movie shows some of the struggles of cultural adjustment, such as trying new foods, learning different customs, and dealing with homesickness.

One of Barbara's classmates is Mikko (played by Bruno Montaleone), a handsome and popular guy who takes an interest in her. Mikko is also part of the school's drama club, and encourages Barbara to audition for the upcoming play. Barbara is hesitant at first, but eventually decides to give it a try. The play is a Finnish version of Romeo and Juliet, and Barbara gets cast as Juliet. The rehearsals and performances are a big part of the movie's storyline, and showcase the beauty of Finnish theater.

As Barbara gets more involved in school and social life, she faces new challenges and dilemmas. She tries to balance her friendships with Luiza and her new Finnish friends, and stays in touch with her family back home. Barbara also has to deal with some unexpected setbacks, such as a sprained ankle that threatens her performance in the play.

The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student is a feel-good movie that celebrates the joys of travel, friendship, and self-discovery. It is a fresh and charming take on the exchange student trope, with a colorful and diverse cast of characters. Larissa Manoela delivers a captivating performance as Barbara, who is relatable and likable. Thati Lopes adds comic relief as Luiza, who has her own adventures in her exchange program. Bruno Montaleone is a breakout star as Mikko, who is not just a love interest, but also a complex character with his own ambitions and fears.

The movie's soundtrack is a mix of Brazilian and Finnish music, and adds to the fusion of cultures. The cinematography captures the beauty of Helsinki, with its snow-covered landscapes, colorful buildings, and urban graffiti. The movie also features some Finnish traditions, such as sauna, ice swimming, and the annual May Day celebration.

Overall, The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student is a heartwarming and uplifting movie that will appeal to anyone who has ever traveled abroad or experienced a cultural exchange. It is a journey of self-discovery that transcends borders and languages, and reminds us of the transformative power of friendship and adventure.

The Secret Diary of an Exchange Student is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.