ian2005

`Ventre Livre' is an eye opening piece about the sterilization of women in Brazil. Upon hearing this topic, I expected that this would be a problem which, while terrible, only affected a small percentage of Brazilian women. However, a shocking 1 in 3 women in Brazil has been sterilized by the government, many during their teenage years. Before watching this film, it had never occurred to me that such a high percentage of the world could not afford contraceptives.

`Ventre Livre' does an excellent job of making the viewer sympathize with the women it depicts. I felt very sorry for the women in their 20's 30's who want to have more children but cannot anymore. The film also does an excellent job depicting the ignorance in even Brazilian society at large. Brazil is the most segregated country in the world by class, and the film leaves a lasting impression of the dichotomy between rich and poor. It is alarming that in a modern society, the woman of one class are being sterelized en masse while the wealthy seem oblivious.

I believe that if a documentary brings attention to a topic of which most of its viewers had never before heard, then it is a success. `Ventre Livre' was eye opening about a brutal practice occurring in our modern world.

This Piece was powerful and thought provoking. It was also perhaps the most depressing film I have ever seen in my life. The tragic story leaves the viewer with a somewhat empty feeling, which is appropriate. The sad fact is that thousands of families in Argentina fell the emptiness that this film induces every single day of their lives. Hector Alterio spectacularly portrays the jaded and evil Roberto, who works with the corrupt ruling military junta. One truly grasps a sense of the insecurities and weakness behind such bullies.

This movie is a wakeup call for anyone who believes that apathy is okay. The truth is that the tragedies in Argentina in the 1970's were partly allowed to occur because of the ignorance and apathy of both people within Argentina and in the outside world. Hopefully, by watching this film, people will resolve to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.

La Hitoria Oficial is a spectacular film to learn about a subject which receives little or no attention in the US. However, be warned: it is one of the most tragic films you may ever see in your life. You will leave the film both saddened and angered that nothing was done to prevent these horrible crimes.