Film No. 16. I'M STILL HERE (AINDA ESTOU AQUI). (2025). 23rd Feb.

 

Film No. 16  (2024)  February 23rd.  1:15 PM  PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 4, Perth City.

"I'll be back soon, sweetie." (The words Rubens says, as he touches the cheek of wife Eunice, fully believing he would soon be back in the bosom of his family).

WINNER: Best Performance by a Female Actor (Fernanda Torres) The Golden Globe Awards.

In a world where dictatorial regimes continue to plague countries in contemporary times, does I'M STILL HERE (HERE) remind us, how middle-class life can so simply be, "torn to threads" without good reason? You bet!

Director Walter Salles (MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) takes us into the lives of the wonderfully functional Paiva family rollicking on the beaches of Rio in 1970. We'd hardly believe Brazil was under authoritarian rule; a military sensitive to any disgruntled individuals. Ruben Paiva, an ex congressman and family man, came under military focus and disappeared from his family. HERE then becomes the story of how Eunice (Fernanda Torres) suffers the indignity of arrest and the frustration of not knowing the whereabouts of her husband, while remaining the resilient, stoic mother of a bright, vibrant young family. This is not a "based on a true story" tale, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. Salles knew the family. The Paiva's only son, Marcello, wrote, I'm Still Here, in collaboration with his mother, Eunice. It's a personal story and Salles has made it personal. The film's pace will alienate some. Not me. I was gifted a freedom filled, happy life in an uncomplicated democracy (Australia). HERE is a salient reminder to be thankful.

It's rare for a film to be nominated for a Best Film and Best International Film gong at the same ceremony (The Oscars). However, the gong may go to Torres for Best Lead Actress. Three days on, I can't get the image of Eunice out of my mind. 11GUMS.