Aún estoy aquí

I have to say that I have the highest regard for Walter Salles' gifts as a movie director. Back in 1999, I found truly impressive one of his early films, CENTRAL DO BRASIL (CENTRAL STATION), with Fernanda Montenegro delivering one of her most thoughtful and sensitive performances.

As mesmerising as that film was, it came nowhere near the merits and masterpiece status that AINDA ESTOU AQUI (I'M STILL HERE) richly shows from beginning to end.

This masterpiece is anchored by a superb script by Murilo Hauser off the book by Marcelo Paiva, the son of MP Rubens Paiva who was abducted by the Brazilian Military Police from his house in January 1971. The way the police go about it is truly sinister, keeping the family jailed in its own house, not allowing the wife to see the husband, not disclosing any info relating to the abductee's whereabouts, taking even one of the children for interrogation.

There are two towering performances in AINDA ESTOU AQUI: Fernanda Torres, in it almost continuously until the last 15 minutes, and Selton Mello as the luckless MP who quietly tries to help individuals sought and detained by the dictatorship, then with Emilio Médici as Brazilian president.

You can feel the noose tightening around the family, with the authorities showing no concern at all that the family included five teenagers needing food and education. Fernanda Torres plays a highly dignified Eunice as the wife doing all she can to retrieve her husband whilst raising her numerous brood.

Torres delivers a quiet, moving performance in which her eyes tell you more than any words. Slender and elegant, she holds her family together, has to look for work and studies at university to become a lawyer, which she does by age 48.

Cinematography by Adrian Teijido is absolutely top notch, as is the editing by Afonso Gonçalves.

It is not an easy film to watch, bubbling with concealed violence that constricts the family more and more.

I hope today's Brazilian Government watches and takes note of this film's content and message because it depicts a past that simply must not be repeated. There is much to learn from it, and not just by Brazil - by any country in the world, even self-styled "greatest democracies".

Definite must-see. I can confidently predict that no film competing for Oscars this year is better. 10/10.

This movie is pure magic. Beautifully photographed and perfect in every detail. Walter Salles has once again performed a miracle - his movie is absolutely flawless. What can be said about Fernanda Torres? Her performance is BRAVURA. It is a very subtle and nuanced performance, she does not burst into tears or screams like in melodramas. Her eyes show it all. What a brilliant actress! Selton Mello is a HUGE surprise, I thought he was some sort of supporting role, but he plays a very important role in the first half of the movie. Perfect acting. All in all, this film is a must see for everyone in the world who cares about the future of humanity.

Adapted from the novel by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, "I'm Still Here" actually improves on the book by focusing on the Paiva family and how every member was startled and heartbroken by the disappearance of their father (played with deep affection by Selton Mello). Anchored by a powerhouse performance by Fernanda Torres as the matriarch Eunice, the film narrates the horrors of the Brazilian dictatorship without ever being preachy or heavy-handed. By focusing on the human aspects and the sense of loss of those people who never got and answer about their loved one's disappearance, the script gets more powerful as it goes along. All the performances from the young actors are top-notch - a rare feat in Brazilian cinema - but it is Fernanda Torres incredibly restrained performance that really stays with you. She's persuasive and moving without ever being melodramatic, in a masterful work. This is the best Brazilian film in years, a gift from director Walter Salles ("Central Station"). Pay attention to the brief but powerful cameo by Fernanda Montenegro (an Oscar nominee for "Central Station") at the very end. "I'm Still Here" is a movie to cherish and to hold.

"I'm Still Here" is a powerful portrayal of a moment in Brazilian history that traumatized many people. In a well-constructed atmosphere, the viewer enters the past of a country, a past that is disowned and ignored by the country itself, and this makes the experience of watching "I'm Still Here" in a movie theater in Brazil even more powerful. Of all the Brazilian filmmakers, Walter Salles stands out with his talented direction and interesting photography, and the production is truly impressive. The actors are talented and I want to highlight the younger actors, who certainly give the film a touch of depth and beauty necessary for us to feel the "magic of cinema". Regarding the kind human side present in "I'm Still Here", it is wonderful to see a film by a filmmaker who truly understands cinema, who does not present alienated ideas but rather pure and genuine human expression. As a Brazilian, of course, I will be rooting for Walter Salles' work to be nominated for an Oscar, but I think the goal of making national cinema talked about again has already been achieved. Beautiful film, beautiful message and beautiful performances.

Fernanda Torres gives an incredible performance, showing Eunice's strength and vulnerability in such a real and powerful way. She makes you feel every moment of the story, and her acting is unforgettable.

What makes "I'm Still Here" even more meaningful is how much it connects to what's happening in the world today. It's a strong reminder of the dangers of governments having too much power and why it's so important to protect democracy. The story of standing up to injustice feels relatable no matter where you're from, making this movie much bigger than just its Brazilian roots.

This film is a true example of how strong people can be, even in the worst situations. The acting, especially from Fernanda Torres, and the emotional story make it a must-see. It really stays with you, both on a personal level and when thinking about the bigger issues in the world.

It's also important to remember how hard it is to make a movie like this in Brazil. Creating art in places like Brazil comes with a lot of challenges that don't exist in the US or Europe, like limited resources and political difficulties. That makes this film even more special and inspiring.

"I'm Still Here" isn't just a movie-it's an important story that everyone should watch and talk about.