Brazil, like other countries in Latin America, experienced a dark political period between 1964 and 1985. At that time, the Military Dictatorship was established in the country, an authoritarian government marked by the lack of freedom of expression, by arbitrary pressures and for torture of political prisoners.
In audiovisual, the theme was shown in several productions, whose purpose is not to let the public forget this “lead time” and to portray the absurdities that occurred in the period.
Among such productions, feature films and documentaries stand out, which portray a portrait of this historical period and even have testimonials from politicians and artists who lived through the time.
Knowing the importance of the theme, the canaltech listed the 7 best films that talk about the Military Dictatorship in Brazil.
7. The Pastor and the Guerrilla
Released in 2023, this film written and directed by José Eduardo Belmonte tells the story of two young people—João, a communist, and Zaqueu, an evangelical— who find themselves in a prison in Brasília, in 1968.
Despite their differences, the two become friends and promise to meet again 27 years later, at the city’s TV Tower, on New Year’s Eve. It turns out that João dies in the 1990s, and his friend doesn’t hear from him.
Years later, Juliana, the bastard daughter of an army colonel, discovers that her father was the torturer of the two young people, and that they planned to meet again. Stunned by the situation, she then decides to go after Zacchaeus, and their meeting will bring many surprises for both.
Up to the time of this report, The Shepherd and the Guerrilla is showing in cinemas in Brazil. To watch it, guarantee your entry by ticket.com.
6. Baptism of Blood
Based on the homonymous book by the writer Frei Betto, baptism of blood was recorded in a college in Belo Horizonte and tells the story of five Dominican friars who fought against the Military Dictatorship in the 1960s. Because they were considered communists, the religious were arrested and tortured.
Directed by Helvécio Ratton, the film was released in 2006 and stars Caio Blat, Daniel de Oliveira, Odilon Esteves, Luiz Arthur and Kassia Lumi Abe.
baptism of blood is available on Looke and not YouTube.
5. The Year My Parents Went on Vacation
Set in the year 1970, this film tells the story of Mauro, a 12-year-old boy from Minas Gerais who loves soccer and button games. One day, he is surprised by the news that his parents are going on vacation and traveling. What he didn’t know, however, is that his family is actually fleeing Brazil, afraid of being persecuted for being on the left.
Confused and lost, the boy starts to live with his grandfather and later with Shlomo, his lonely Jewish neighbor. Without fully understanding what is happening in his life, Mauro is torn between missing his parents and the joy of seeing Brazil play in the World Cup that year.
Directed by Cao Hamburger and starring Caio Blat, Liliana Castro and Simone Spoladore, The Year My Parents Went on Vacation can be watched on Google Play and not YouTube.
4. What’s It, Mate?
Launched in 1997 by director Bruno Barreto (Last Stop 174), this film shows a group of young people organizing themselves for armed struggle after the AI-5 decree, the most repressive Unconstitutional Act, decreed by President Artur da Costa e Silva, in 1968. The group’s idea is to kidnap the ambassador of the United States to then negotiate the ransom of arrested militants.
Based on a book of the same name, the film portrays the true event from the point of view of journalist Fernando Gabeira, who participated in the movement.
you can watch What is this fellow? at the Globoplay and not YouTube.
3. Goat Marked for Death
This documentary by Eduardo Coutinho began recording in 1964, and focused on the story of João Pedro Teixeira, the leader of a peasant league in Paraíba who was murdered by order of landowners.
When the Military Dictatorship explodes in Brazil, the recordings are interrupted and resumed only in 1981, when the director returns to the project and goes in search of the former participants, now with an eye on how the lead years of Brazil also influenced their lives.
You can watch the documentary Goat Marked for Death at the Globoplay and not YouTube.
2. Zuzu Angel
Famous for Patricia Pillar’s beautiful performance and for being based on a true plot, Zuzu Angel tells the story of the stylist of the same name who conquered the world with her talent. Her life was surrounded by fame and success, but everything changed when her son Stuart disappeared during the Military Dictatorship.
Desperate, the stylist decided to take justice into her own hands when, years later, she discovered that the boy had been tortured and killed.
Directed by Sérgio Rezende, the feature was released in 2006 and features Daniel de Oliveira and Leandra Leal in the cast. you can watch Zuzu Angel at apple tv.
1. Tattoo
Another film that talks about the Military Dictatorship in Brazil and deserves to be played is Tattoo, by director Hilton Lacerda. Launched in 2013, it is set in 1978 and accompanies the theatrical troupe Chão de Estrelas, formed by a group of circus performers who perform shows full of debauchery and nudity.
The main highlight of the group is Paulete (Rodrigo Garcia), a young woman who loves to challenge the good customs of the time. One day, she receives a visit from her military brother-in-law Fininha (Jesuíta Barbosa), who quickly falls in love with Clécio.
Amidst the freedom of that place, Fininha needs to decide whether to surrender to love or remain faithful to the repression imposed by the military government.
With a strong cast, Tattoo is a film about love, struggle and repression. You can watch it on Netflix, Google Play and apple tv.
