Brazilian Films – Under Southern Eyes

Kleber Mendonça Filho, “O Agente Secreto / The Secret Agent” (2025) Folks anticipating a fast-paced spy thriller might be disappointed to discover this film is actually…

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Brazilian Films

Ainda Estou Aqui / I’m Still Here: a story of self-transformation and resistance through memory let down by a poor plot

March 9, 20253 min read

Walter Salles, “Ainda Estou Aqui / I’m Still Here” (2024) Based on Brazilian writer Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir of the same name, “Ainda Estou Aqui /…

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Brazilian Films, North American Films

Kiss of the Spider Woman: a multi-layered plot and excellent acting and direction create a powerful film classic

October 6, 20135 min read

Hector Babenco, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1985) I had read the Manuel Puig novel of the same name many years ago and found it an…

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Brazilian Films, Portuguese-language Films

Elite Squad: powerful and thought-provoking study of police corruption and violence

March 7, 20115 min read

Jose Padilha, “Elite Squad” (2007) An examination of corruption and brutality in a special forces unit of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro state in…

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O Agente Secreto: confronting past crimes and suppressed history and memory to heal trauma

Ainda Estou Aqui / I’m Still Here: a story of self-transformation and resistance through memory let down by a poor plot

Kiss of the Spider Woman: a multi-layered plot and excellent acting and direction create a powerful film classic

Elite Squad: powerful and thought-provoking study of police corruption and violence