Shadows of Oppression: The Heart-Wrenching Tale of 'I'm Still Here'

In this compelling episode of *Movies First*, host Alex First explores the haunting film *I'm Still Here*, which vividly chronicles Brazil's turbulent history during the military dictatorship that seized power in 1964. The narrative centers on the Paiva family, whose lives are irrevocably altered by the regime's oppressive actions. Set against the backdrop of 1970 Rio de Janeiro, the episode delves into the family's seemingly normal life, which is shattered when Rubens, a former congressman turned engineer, is taken by military forces, leaving his wife Eunice and their children to navigate the ensuing chaos.
Alex discusses the film's authenticity, rooted in the personal experiences of Marcelo Rubens Paiva, whose own family story inspired the screenplay. Director Walter Sales, with his intimate knowledge of the Paiva household, brings a unique perspective to the film, enhancing its emotional resonance. The episode highlights the meticulous cinematography that combines 35mm and Super 8 footage, immersing viewers in the historical context of the era.
Fernanda Torres delivers a powerful performance as Eunice, earning critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, as she embodies the strength and resilience of a woman facing unimaginable challenges. The film's structure, weaving through different time periods, captures the escalating tension and trauma experienced by the family, making the political deeply personal.
Listeners will appreciate the film's poignant exploration of how political violence invades domestic life, transforming ordinary experiences into extraordinary tales of survival and resistance. With an impressive rating of 8.5 out of 10, *I'm Still Here* stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Brazil's authoritarian past on its collective memory.
**Highlights:**
- **Authentic Storytelling:** The film is based on real events, offering a personal glimpse into a family's struggle against political oppression.
- **Powerful Performances:** Fernanda Torres's portrayal of Eunice showcases the complexities of strength amid trauma.
- **Historical Context:** The film's attention to detail immerses viewers in a crucial period of Brazilian history.
Join Alex First for an insightful discussion that not only examines *I'm Still Here* but also reflects on the broader implications of living under authoritarian rule. For more film reviews and discussions, subscribe to *Movies First* on your favorite podcast platform!
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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
The film I'm Still Here powerfully documents one of Brazil's
darkest chapters, when a military dictatorship overthrew the democratic government
in nineteen sixty four and maintained control for twenty one
years five four, three two one.

Speaker 2 (00:20):
This is Movies First with Alex First.

Speaker 1 (00:24):
During this brutal period, more than twenty thousand people were killed, tortured,
or disappeared at the hands of the regime. This gritty,
naturalistic drama brings to life the true story of the
Paiva family, whose lives were irreversibly altered by the Hunter's oppression.
Set in nineteen seventy Rio de Janeiro, the story centers

(00:46):
on the Piva household. Rubens, a former congressman turned engineer,
his wife Eunice, and their five children. Despite the menacing
political atmosphere, or perhaps in defiance of it, the Pious
maintain an open door policy at their rented beach house,
welcoming friends and visitors while dreaming of building their own home.

(01:09):
Their domestic life appears remarkably normal, with live in help
and a warm family dynamic cultivated over Reubens and Unice's
eighteen year marriage. The family's relative peace is shattered when
shadowy figures working for the military Hunter arrive without warning
and take Rubens away. At this crucial moment, their eldest daughter, Vera,

(01:32):
is safely studying in London, where she was sent to
begin college the following year, while their four other children
remain in Brazil. The situation grows increasingly dire as time
passes with no word of Reuben's whereabouts. The horror escalates
when Unice and one of her daughters are also seized
by police for interrogation, with Unice facing an extended period

(01:57):
in captivity that fundamentally changes their family forever. The film's
authenticity is enhanced by its deep personal connections. The screenplay,
written by Marillo Hauser and haitaor Lorega, is based on
a twenty fifteen book by Marcello Rubens Piver, son of
Rubens and Eunice, who contributed additional personal insights to the production.

(02:22):
Director Walter Sallez brings his own intimate understanding to the project,
having known the Piver's and spent part of his adolescence
in the very house that features prominently in the film. Technically,
the film masterfully recreates the period through a combination of
thirty five millimeter and super eight footage, creating an immersive

(02:45):
historical atmosphere. The cinematography and production design have been particularly
praised for their meticulous attention to detail. The narrative structure
weaves through three distinct time periods, though primarily focuses on
the events surrounding Rubens's abduction and its aftermath. Fernando Torres
delivers a tour de force performance as Unis, earning an

(03:08):
Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal captures the complex
evolution of a woman maintaining extraordinary strength and resilience while
grappling with unimaginable circumstances. She embodies Yunus's stoic determination as
she struggles to process the ongoing trauma while holding her

(03:28):
family together. Selton Mellow brings nuanced depth to Rubens, portraying
him as a loving family man who tragically underestimates the
persistence and severity of the political upheaval. The film made
history as the first Brazilian production to receive a Best
Picture nomination at the twenty twenty five Academy Awards, while

(03:49):
also securing a nomination for Best International Feature. Though focused
on one family's experience, the film powerfully illustrates the broader
national trauma of a country living under authoritarian rule, where
any sense of security could be shattered at a moment's notice.
I'm Still Here succeeds brilliantly in making the political deeply personal,

(04:15):
using the intimate lens of family life to examine larger
historical events. The film's power lies in its ability to
show how political violence intrudes into domestic spaces, transforming ordinary
lives into extraordinary testimonies of survival and resistance. Through its
careful attention to historical detail, powerful performances, and emotional depth,

(04:37):
the film creates an unforgettable portrait of a family court
in the machinery of state oppression. Rated m the film
has received widespread critical acclaim, earning an eight and a
half out of ten rating for its compelling portrayal of
this crucial period in Brazilian history and its lasting impact
on the nation's collective memory.

Speaker 2 (05:00):
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Speaker 1 (05:11):
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