npr.org
Brazilian Family's Resilience During Military Dictatorship
I'm Still Here," a Brazilian film based on a true story, portrays a family's resilience during the 1964-1985 military dictatorship; the wife transforms from homemaker to human rights lawyer after her husband's disappearance.
- What is the film's central message regarding the impact of the Brazilian military dictatorship on families and individuals?
- I'm Still Here" depicts the resilience of a Brazilian family during the 1964-1985 military dictatorship, highlighting the transformation of a mother who fights for her family and others' rights after her husband's disappearance. The film, based on a true story, masterfully portrays the subtle yet pervasive anxiety of life under authoritarian rule, contrasting moments of normalcy with underlying fear and oppression.
- How does the film portray the interplay between seemingly normal daily life and the underlying fear and oppression under the dictatorship?
- The movie effectively demonstrates how seemingly normal daily life could coexist with the ever-present threat of state-sponsored violence and oppression during Brazil's dictatorship. It contrasts the family's idyllic life before the husband's abduction with the subsequent struggles and the mother's transformation into a human rights advocate, showcasing the systemic impact of authoritarian regimes on individuals and families. The film's power lies in its nuanced portrayal of both the brutality and insidious nature of the dictatorship.
- What are the long-term implications of the events depicted in the film, and what does it suggest about the enduring struggle for human rights and societal change in post-dictatorship Brazil?
- I'm Still Here" suggests that even under brutal dictatorships, the human spirit can persevere. The film highlights the importance of individual resistance and the long-term consequences of authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the ongoing need for human rights advocacy and societal transformation. The wife's journey from homemaker to lawyer symbolizes the broader struggle for justice and lasting societal changes in the aftermath of oppression.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the story as a heroic tale of resilience and family strength, emphasizing the emotional impact of the dictatorship on the family rather than its political aspects. The positive tone of the review and its focus on the mother's transformation, while not inherently biased, might unintentionally downplay the broader political consequences of the regime. The headline (assuming a headline existed) would greatly influence this score.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, using terms like "heroic," "moving," and "brilliant." While these are appropriate to convey the reviewer's positive assessment, the consistently positive language may unintentionally downplay the suffering and injustice of the dictatorship. The descriptions of the family's life are idyllic, contrasting sharply with the harsh reality of the dictatorship; this might be viewed as a slight form of language bias. However, the review is not overtly partisan or manipulative.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the family's experience and the director's personal connection, potentially omitting broader political analysis of the dictatorship's impact beyond the family's immediate circle. While this approach works for the narrative, it might leave out perspectives of other victims or broader societal effects. The review also doesn't extensively discuss the American involvement in the coup, mentioned only briefly.
Gender Bias
The review centers on the female protagonist, highlighting her strength and transformation. While this is positive representation, it could be argued that focusing primarily on her experiences might indirectly diminish the experiences of other victims who were male. Further, the review emphasizes her domestic skills, which, while part of her character, could be seen as a subtle gender trope. However, this is relatively minor compared to the strong portrayal of her resilience.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie depicts the struggle of a family under Brazil's military dictatorship, highlighting the importance of justice and strong institutions in protecting human rights and ensuring a just society. The film indirectly promotes the values of peace, justice and strong institutions by showcasing the negative impacts of their absence under a dictatorial regime and the resilience of individuals fighting for a better future. The wife's transformation into a lawyer fighting for human rights is a testament to the importance of these institutions.