Watercooler Pick
I’m Still Here
- Movie
- Where to Find It: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Amazon Prime
- Rating: PG-13
- Release Date: February 7th, 2025
- Runtime: 2h 15m
Recommended by:
Share on social media
Find More Watercooler Picks
Brazil’s first film to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, I’m Still Here tells the true story of the abduction of congressman Rubens Paiva by the Brazilian military in the early 70s, and the transformation of his wife Eunice Paiva, a mother of five, into a lawyer and activist who investigated his disappearance — determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The screenplay is based on the memoir of the same title by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the son of Rubens Pavia. Brazilian actress and screenwriter Fernanda Torres earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Eunice Paiva. And BAFTA-winning director Walter Salles (The Motorcyle Diaries and Central Station) directed the film.
A riveting history lesson about a family devastated by a military dictatorship, I’m Still Here resonates as right-wing populism surges in Brazil and the rest of the world. It’s a chilling and timely reminder of the devastating impact of extremism and oppressive regimes on human rights, civil liberties, peace and order.
The film has also made waves for the powerful performance of Fernanda Torres, a woman whose life is defined not by tragedies but by her ability to speak truth to power while maintaining her principles in the face of systemic oppression.
An inspiring historical drama about the resilience of the human spirit and the life-affirming power of forgiveness. I’m Still Here delivers a hopeful message that even in the darkest times, good can triumph over evil.
The rare film to be nominated for Oscars in both the overall Best Picture category as well as the Best International Feature category, I’m Still Here has broken box office records in Brazil while sparking a debate about the country’s past, as NPR reports.
- Moods: enlighten me, inspire me
- Interests: acclaimed and award winning, history, international, politics, true stories
Churchill P. Guevarra
