Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Released 12-07-2024
Watched 02-28-2025
Reviewed 02-28-2025
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club (Oscar MovieWeek Festival Pass)
"Martha, you gotta help me. My husband is in danger!"
"I'm Still Here," directed by Walter Salles, is a 2024 political biographical drama that portrays the harrowing journey of Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres, as she confronts the abduction and subsequent disappearance of her husband, Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), during Brazil's military dictatorship. The film is an adaptation of Marcelo Rubens Paiva's 2015 memoir, offering a deeply personal perspective on this turbulent period in Brazilian history.
The film's commitment to historical accuracy is commendable, with meticulous attention to detail in its portrayal of the era. Fernanda Torres delivers a compelling performance, capturing Eunice's resilience and determination as she transitions from a grieving wife to a human rights activist. Her portrayal has been widely acclaimed, earning her the Best Actress award at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, making her the first Brazilian actress to receive this honor.
However, the film's runtime of 138 minutes presents a significant drawback. The pacing feels uneven, with certain scenes extending beyond their necessity, leading to moments where the narrative momentum wanes. A more concise edit could have enhanced the storytelling, maintaining audience engagement without compromising the depth of the historical context.
For non-Portuguese-speaking viewers, the necessity of reading subtitles throughout the film's entirety may pose an additional challenge. While subtitles are a standard aspect of foreign cinema, the combination of the film's length and the continuous need for reading may lead to viewer fatigue, potentially detracting from the immersive experience.
Despite these challenges, "I'm Still Here" serves as an important cultural artifact, shedding light on a chapter of Brazilian history that remains largely unknown to international audiences. Its critical acclaim and recognition, including three nominations at the 97th Academy Awards Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Actress, underscore its significance in global cinema.
In conclusion, "I'm Still Here" offers a poignant and powerful narrative anchored by exceptional performances, particularly from Fernanda Torres. While its extended runtime and reliance on subtitles may present challenges for some viewers, the film's historical importance and emotional resonance make it a noteworthy addition to contemporary cinema. It stands as a testament to the resilience of those who endured Brazil's military dictatorship and contributes meaningfully to the global discourse on human rights and historical memory.
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