Thanks! 😊 Definitely very scary from the snapshot we see in this film. I also say “Argentina 1985” which I recommend as far as the generational impact of South America military regimes and their painful legacy. More of a procedural film about what happens after to bring justice and if justice can ever really fill the void. Horrific what happened to people. “I’m still here “ is made all the more disturbing because of zoom in on the everyday happy family being torn apart.
"Since the dawn of time, there have been THOSE people who know when to leave [before the going gets tough] and those who stick around, implacably convinced that things will never get that bad." -> this definitely hits strongly now with what is happening in the US and in the world. I love your review as always. Even if I don't get to watch the movie I feel like I got some reflections from it which is amazing.
Excellent review, I appreciated the reference to Knock at the Cabin a movie I too enjoyed though it seems to have had a mixed reaction more broadly. I haven't seen I'm Still Here but from your review it sounds like a very gripping movie, the idea of the family unit not being enough in the face of a brutal regime is terrifying as is the question of deciding when or if it is possible to leave ahead of time.
Another beautiful recount, Beth. You've previously mentioned needing tissues when watching this film and I was feeling the emotion of the film through your words. Then you mentioned "Life is Beautiful" and my body went cold. I cried so hard at the love Benigni's character had for his son to shield him from the gruesome fear of reality and present only the beautiful promise of life.
Switching tone, I watched "Trap" just the other night. It's the kind of fun & predictable horror I can handle. Not so for "The Visit", which was too pathetic even for me. It stars Kathryn Hahn and a younger Olivia DeJonge, who you'll remember from "Priscilla", but the premise wasn't at all engaging.
I've gotta check this out. Your mention of conflicting feelings in old family photos, there's one of my family I came across that was a formal church portrait and I distinctly recall my father tugging on the back of my suit coat to get me to behave during the shoot. When I see it I'm reminded of how controlling he could be to everyone in the family, my mother, me, and to some degree my brother, who I suspect was his favorite. (They were so similar in behaviors.) Anyway, this is a fascinating topic! And will check out the film.
Thanks Michael. I had a whole part around how Google Photos notifications of past photo albums or moments are totally depressing to me but took it out based on efficiency. I guess in reading your note though it made me question how if looking at photos can also serve a function of changing the narrative - like what if your dad trying to get you to behave was him just wanting you to validate he was important enough to you to warrant you standing still to take this photo and the photo itself was symbolic of a successful life (doting family). So much of that generation I think was hiding shame and guilt and about demonstrating these tokens of showing respect. It’s so foreign to me. I enjoy photography but hate forced photo taking!
I love your review, and your note after you watched the film sent me rushing out to watch it too. And I got it in a day before the Academy Awards. I'm so glad I watched it. The first part, where they show the family being an everyday family was one of my favourite parts of the film. I also love how the family working through such a traumatic experience is shown. No matter how traumatic things get, life keeps moving on.
Thx Rob. I didn’t either the first 50 times. I mentally mapped it to the moment in the film that Eunice sees the military tank roll by. It’s definitely foreshadowing. Just brilliant!
Thank you Nicole! Curious to hear what’s going through your mind when and if you are ready to share. I know it takes a while to process this one. All the best films do.
The notion and value of family is what stayed with me. Also, as someone who has experienced loss the pain that comes from ambiguous loss is so haunting. I think that was illustrated beautifully. Also, the power of a woman standing up to a corrupt regime with such a quiet but determined power. Of course also, the immense beauty of Brazil.
Yes. Fully hear all of this. I too think knowing loss (which if we are fortunate to live long enough to experience will happen) makes this an ultra profound watch. I think depending on when this loss happens in the course of your development it lands so differently as far as memories and the narratives we hold onto. The film sorta touches on this. I was really surprised that Marcelo was the one who ended up writing the book about his mom on which the film was based. The way it was presented felt so personal to Eunice’s experience but that lens also is colored by his perspective which also tracks because would she ever have written such a personal story? Marcelo’s paraplegic condition as an adult (after diving into a shallow frozen pond as a 20 year old) illustrates the random misfortunes of life but what sticks is how he carried on which is very much the theme of the film. Eunice’s quiet and courageous handling of her circumstances was fascinating and formidable.
One of the most impactful films I watched last year, living on as an act of resistance. Walter Salles' focus on the family dynamics and Rubens warmth and bigger than life presence helped emphasize the depth of his absence later on.
Wonderful review of I’m Still Here. I’m intrigued. Sounds like a scary time to be in Brazil.
Thanks! 😊 Definitely very scary from the snapshot we see in this film. I also say “Argentina 1985” which I recommend as far as the generational impact of South America military regimes and their painful legacy. More of a procedural film about what happens after to bring justice and if justice can ever really fill the void. Horrific what happened to people. “I’m still here “ is made all the more disturbing because of zoom in on the everyday happy family being torn apart.
Great review. I need to see I’m Still Here, A Real Pain, and Conclave now! I need more time in the night!!!
Thanks, Valerie. I can fully relate to not enough hours in the day.
For prioritization purposes:
1) A Real Pain (available on Hulu for streaming)
2) Conclave (available on Peacock for streaming
3) I'm Still Here (in theaters) but was really my #2 - Trying to consider viewing access and time in my calculation.
"Since the dawn of time, there have been THOSE people who know when to leave [before the going gets tough] and those who stick around, implacably convinced that things will never get that bad." -> this definitely hits strongly now with what is happening in the US and in the world. I love your review as always. Even if I don't get to watch the movie I feel like I got some reflections from it which is amazing.
Excellent review, I appreciated the reference to Knock at the Cabin a movie I too enjoyed though it seems to have had a mixed reaction more broadly. I haven't seen I'm Still Here but from your review it sounds like a very gripping movie, the idea of the family unit not being enough in the face of a brutal regime is terrifying as is the question of deciding when or if it is possible to leave ahead of time.
Thanks Matthew! The not knowing when to leave is the giant fear and then of course being stuck and the worst imaginable thing happening
Another beautiful recount, Beth. You've previously mentioned needing tissues when watching this film and I was feeling the emotion of the film through your words. Then you mentioned "Life is Beautiful" and my body went cold. I cried so hard at the love Benigni's character had for his son to shield him from the gruesome fear of reality and present only the beautiful promise of life.
Switching tone, I watched "Trap" just the other night. It's the kind of fun & predictable horror I can handle. Not so for "The Visit", which was too pathetic even for me. It stars Kathryn Hahn and a younger Olivia DeJonge, who you'll remember from "Priscilla", but the premise wasn't at all engaging.
I've gotta check this out. Your mention of conflicting feelings in old family photos, there's one of my family I came across that was a formal church portrait and I distinctly recall my father tugging on the back of my suit coat to get me to behave during the shoot. When I see it I'm reminded of how controlling he could be to everyone in the family, my mother, me, and to some degree my brother, who I suspect was his favorite. (They were so similar in behaviors.) Anyway, this is a fascinating topic! And will check out the film.
Thanks Michael. I had a whole part around how Google Photos notifications of past photo albums or moments are totally depressing to me but took it out based on efficiency. I guess in reading your note though it made me question how if looking at photos can also serve a function of changing the narrative - like what if your dad trying to get you to behave was him just wanting you to validate he was important enough to you to warrant you standing still to take this photo and the photo itself was symbolic of a successful life (doting family). So much of that generation I think was hiding shame and guilt and about demonstrating these tokens of showing respect. It’s so foreign to me. I enjoy photography but hate forced photo taking!
Think you just nailed it
I love your review, and your note after you watched the film sent me rushing out to watch it too. And I got it in a day before the Academy Awards. I'm so glad I watched it. The first part, where they show the family being an everyday family was one of my favourite parts of the film. I also love how the family working through such a traumatic experience is shown. No matter how traumatic things get, life keeps moving on.
Thanks for sharing Ingrid. The beginning was my favorite too though I was always worried about when the happy times would end. Did you have this?
Yes! Same! And I remembered reading that one of them disappears but I wasn’t sure who. I thought for some reason the mother would disappear.
Really good review, Beth. Your analysis of the photo used for the poster is very perceptive -- I didn't pick up on that at all.
Thx Rob. I didn’t either the first 50 times. I mentally mapped it to the moment in the film that Eunice sees the military tank roll by. It’s definitely foreshadowing. Just brilliant!
This was a great recap, I just watched the film two nights ago and am still thinking about it.
Thank you Nicole! Curious to hear what’s going through your mind when and if you are ready to share. I know it takes a while to process this one. All the best films do.
The notion and value of family is what stayed with me. Also, as someone who has experienced loss the pain that comes from ambiguous loss is so haunting. I think that was illustrated beautifully. Also, the power of a woman standing up to a corrupt regime with such a quiet but determined power. Of course also, the immense beauty of Brazil.
Yes. Fully hear all of this. I too think knowing loss (which if we are fortunate to live long enough to experience will happen) makes this an ultra profound watch. I think depending on when this loss happens in the course of your development it lands so differently as far as memories and the narratives we hold onto. The film sorta touches on this. I was really surprised that Marcelo was the one who ended up writing the book about his mom on which the film was based. The way it was presented felt so personal to Eunice’s experience but that lens also is colored by his perspective which also tracks because would she ever have written such a personal story? Marcelo’s paraplegic condition as an adult (after diving into a shallow frozen pond as a 20 year old) illustrates the random misfortunes of life but what sticks is how he carried on which is very much the theme of the film. Eunice’s quiet and courageous handling of her circumstances was fascinating and formidable.
Great piece. Can't wait to watch "I'm Still Here".
Thanks Alisa! Bring tissues - lots- and go with friend(s) who are used to seeing you cry. 😂
Even though on first glance, it felt very standard. It’s stuck with me for a while after
Me too. Still sitting with it. It’s like “A Real Pain” in that way!
One of the most impactful films I watched last year, living on as an act of resistance. Walter Salles' focus on the family dynamics and Rubens warmth and bigger than life presence helped emphasize the depth of his absence later on.