FILM REVIEW: “I’m Still Here”

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always cry at Walter Salles films, including while watching his Oscar nominated “Central Station” 25 years ago and now in 2025 while watching his International Feature Film Oscar winning “I’m Still Here” based on a true story.

I was awestruck by the Oscar nominated turn of the powerful performance by Fernanda Torres as the human rights lawyer Eunice Paiva whose husband Rubens is forcibly disappeared and 25 years later confirmed was tortured to death.

Torres’ critically acclaimed performance as Eunice portraying her strength and determination in the face of immense adversity is complemented by her real-life mother Fernanda Montenegro, who was Oscar nominated for “Central Station”, delivering another powerful performance as the older Eunice in “I’m Still Here”.

The film provides a poignant and accurate depiction of Brazil's military dictatorship and its devastating impact on families. It sheds light on the "disappeared" and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

Director of “The Motorcycle Diaries”, another of my favorites, I am not surprised at Salles' Oscar winning turn as the director of “I’m Still Here”, as he is a director known for his sensitive and nuanced storytelling. He brings a deep sense of authenticity to the film, emphasizing the human cost of political repression.

The film is a political biographical drama based on Eunice and Rubens’ son Marcelo Rubens Paiva's 2015 memoir of the same name, adding a layer of emotional depth and historical accuracy. The movie portrays the very personal story of a family that Salles had connections to in his youth, which adds to the film’s intimacy.

In addition to the Oscar award, “I’m Still Here” has received widespread critical praise and has been recognized at major film festivals and award ceremonies. In fact, the Portuguese language movie has gained many award nominations, and wins, including recognition at the Venice International Film Festival.

Stressing on themes of resilience and justice, the film explores themes of family, loss, and the enduring human spirit in the face of oppression. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of defending democratic values, especially relevant as quite recently Brazil almost experienced another military coup against its democratic government.

"I'm Still Here" is a compelling and emotionally resonant film that offers a vital historical perspective and showcases exceptional performances.

The film centers on Eunice's relentless search for her husband, Rubens, a dissident politician and Congressman who was forcibly disappeared. The film vividly portrays the oppressive atmosphere of Brazil in 1971, under the tightening grip of the military dictatorship. It sheds light on the human cost of political repression and the enduring struggle for justice. As Time Magazine writes about the movie, there is only a thin line between dictatorship and democracy.