Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries) makes a triumphant return with an emotionally layered, visually rich account of family life under an oppressive regime.
It's 1971, Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres), a mother of five children, is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government.
I’m Still Here is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's biographical book and tells the true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s hidden history.
The Garden Cinema View:
Director Walter Salles continues his exploration of political histories by offering a moving biography of a family enduring hardship after the father is arrested for resisting Brazil’s 1970s junta. Like his previous film The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), I'm Still Here explores how activism impacts upper middle-class lives when educated individuals step beyond their comfort zones. And much like Steve McQueen’s recent Blitz (2024), the meticulous research and inspired production design elevate the experience, adding depth to what is otherwise a traditionally told, but powerful, narrative based on real events.
The ensemble cast delivers a compelling portrayal of this extended family, capturing a warmth, and distinctly Latin sentiment, that is a joy to see on the big screen – and is especially refreshing after an abundance of cerebral political pieces. Fernanda Torres' performance is particularly remarkable, poised and utterly authentic, making her the standout of the film.
While not formally groundbreaking, I'm Still Here is deeply moving, heartwarming, and a valuable window into this chapter of Brazilian history.
Academy Award Winner: Best International Feature Film
Golden Globe Winner: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture
