I’m Still Here Is An Extraordinary Story Of Conspiracy, Intrigue, Resistance & Courage

I’m Still Here is a powerful political biographical drama that may leave audiences shocked at what went on and probably still goes on politically around the world.

Set in 1971, Brazil was under military dictatorship. Rubens (Selton Mello) was happily married to Eunice (Fernanda Torres) with a young family. Normality in this household was about to take a quick turn when three strange men took Rubens away for questioning and told his wife, “Your husband will be here soon” – he vanished without a trace.

Rubens was charged with conspiring against the revolution and associating with communists, but was he truly an icon of resistance against the military regime?

Who were these men? Assassins, murderers or terrorists? The military ultimately denied any knowledge of this forced disappearance and Eunice was left alone to find evidence of his arrest while raising her family.

It was reported by the media that he escaped and his whereabouts were unknown, but the media was dictated by the military as to what they could report – a majority being untruths.

It’s not until 25 years later that Eunice discovered the gruesome truth behind his kidnapping and disappearance…

Ironically set during the festive season of Christmas, this is the true disturbing story of the systematic torture and murder of civilians who were suspected of crimes which they may or may not have committed. Suspicion was enough to justify an arrest followed by forced false confessions through torture.

The opening scenes where innocent youths in a car were pulled over at a roadblock and aggressively manhandled set the mood and highlighted the oppressed conditions in Brazilian society during that era.

Compounding to the authenticity of the narrative was the inclusion of real footage from the revolution, highlighting the violence utilised by the military in attempting to maintain order in the community.

The tearful scene that should forever linger in the minds of audiences was when Rubens was taken away to the car, turned around, looked at his wife and smiled – the last precious memory of her husband she would forever hold close to her heart.

This is a profoundly moving drama, yet there are also many unsettling sequences which depict the intimidation experienced by innocent civilians, the tortures not seen on screen but the painful screams painting very vivid pictures in the minds of audiences.

Actress Fernanda Torres won a Golden Globe Award for her profoundly touching portrayal of the grieving wife who had to remain strong and resilient for the sake of her family.

Directed by Walter Salles, this movie was also nominated for three Oscar Awards and justifiably picked up the Best International Feature Oscar.

I’m Still Here

★★★★

In Cinemas March 13