“I’m Still Here” is a Must-Watch

Movies come and go, but some stick with you long after the credits roll. One of those unforgettable films is the Oscar-winning “I’m Still Here”. With powerful storytelling and a theme of resilience that hits home, this movie isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience. Let’s break down five reasons why “I’m Still Here” deserves a top spot on your must-watch list.

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1. A Powerful Narrative of Resilience

Some films don’t just tell a story—they pull you in and make you feel every moment. “I’m Still Here” is one of those rare movies that sticks with you, blending raw emotion with unforgettable storytelling. Its message of resilience hits hard, making it more than just a great film—it’s an experience worth watching.

From its gripping performances to its thought-provoking themes, “I’m Still Here” delivers on every level. Whether you’re drawn to powerful character arcs, stunning cinematography, or stories that stay with you long after the credits roll, this movie checks all the boxes.

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2. “I’m Still Here” and Its Stellar Performances

Fernanda Torres

Fernanda Torres delivers a gripping, deeply human performance as Eunice Paiva in “I’m Still Here”, bringing to life a woman whose resilience is tested under Brazil’s brutal military dictatorship. As a mother of multiple children and the wife of a disappeared political activist, Eunice isn’t just surviving—she’s carrying the weight of both personal loss and an unwavering fight for justice. Torres doesn’t just play Eunice—she embodies her, capturing the quiet strength, heartbreak, and unshakable determination of a woman forced to navigate life under an oppressive regime. Her portrayal feels intimate and unfiltered, making it impossible not to connect with Eunice’s struggle on a personal level.

What makes Torres’s performance so compelling is the nuance she brings to every scene. She doesn’t rely on grand gestures or over-the-top dramatics; instead, she lets emotion simmer beneath the surface, allowing small expressions, silences, and glances to speak volumes. Whether it’s the weight of loss in her eyes, the restrained fury in a courtroom, or the rare but powerful moments of hope, every beat of her performance feels real.

The dynamic between Torres and the supporting cast elevates the film even further. The way she interacts with those around her—whether confronting political forces, seeking solace in family, or navigating the complex emotions of survival—adds layers to Eunice’s character. As she fights to protect her children while demanding answers for her husband’s disappearance, her relationships don’t just serve the plot; they shape the emotional core of the film. By the time the credits roll, Torres ensures that Eunice Paiva isn’t just a historical figure on-screen—she’s someone you won’t forget.

Watch “I’m Still Here” on Prime Video

Selton Mello

Selton Mello Delivers a Haunting Performance as Rubens Paiva, a Man Erased by Dictatorship but Never Forgotten.

In “I’m Still Here”, Mello brings quiet intensity to his portrayal of Rubens Paiva, a devoted father, husband, and political activist who becomes one of the many victims of Brazil’s military regime. Though his screen time is limited, Mello makes every moment count, embodying the warmth, intelligence, and conviction of a man whose disappearance leaves an unfillable void. His performance lingers beyond his presence as the film builds around the echoes of his absence—through the grief of his wife Eunice (Fernanda Torres), the trauma carried by his children, and the silences left in the wake of state violence.

With subtle yet powerful choices, Mello ensures that Rubens isn’t just a tragic figure but a lasting presence, haunting both his family and the audience long after the credits roll. Mello’s performance is made all the more powerful by his deep roots in Brazilian cinema and television. A household name in Brazil, he’s known for effortlessly shifting between charismatic leading roles and introspective, deeply psychological characters. His career spans decades, from his early days as a child actor to acclaimed work as both an actor and director.

Fun Fact: Much like Torres, whose mother, Fernanda Montenegro, is one of Brazil’s most revered actresses, Mello also comes from a family of artists, with his brother, Danton Mello, another successful actor. This shared legacy between Torres and Mello gives their performances an added depth—both bring a naturalistic style that makes every scene feel lived-in and emotionally raw. Their portrayals of Eunice and Rubens Paiva don’t just tell a historical story; they make it deeply personal, drawing on their years of experience to create characters that feel heartbreakingly real.

Fernanda Montenegro

A legend in Brazilian cinema, Fernanda Montenegro, mother of Fernanda Torres, also leaves an indelible mark on “I’m Still Here.” Best known for her Academy Award-nominated performance in “Central Station,” Montenegro’s legacy in film and theater is unmatched. Her influence can be felt in Torres’ portrayal of Eunice Paiva, as both actresses share a deep commitment to authenticity and emotional depth. Montenegro’s presence in the industry has paved the way for powerful storytelling in Brazilian cinema, making her an integral part of the cultural and artistic lineage that brings “I’m Still Here” to life.

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3. Masterful Direction and Cinematography

Directed by Walter Salles

Walter Salles’s Direction and Adrian Teijido’s Cinematography Bring “I’m Still Here” to Life. Under Salles directing, “I’m Still Here” is more than a historical drama—it’s an intimate, emotionally charged story that stays with the audience long after the screen fades to black. Salles, widely respected internationally and an Academy Award nominee for “The Motorcycle Diaries,” has a unique ability to weave personal stories into larger sociopolitical narratives. His approach here is no exception. He previously worked with Fernanda Montenegro (Fernanda Torres’s mother) in “Central Station, a film that earned multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Foreign Language Film. Just as he did in that film, Salles brings a delicate but unflinching touch to “I’m Still Here”, focusing on the human cost of dictatorship through the unwavering determination of Eunice Paiva.

Watch “I’m Still Here” on Prime Video

Cinematography by Adrian Teijido

Salles’s storytelling is reinforced by Adrian Teijido’s striking cinematography, which turns the film into a visual record of both loss and resilience. The camera lingers in spaces that feel haunted—government offices where silence speaks louder than words, dimly lit corridors filled with unanswered questions, and the Paiva family home, where warmth and grief coexist. The contrast between light and shadow mirrors Eunice’s emotional journey, emphasizing the small moments of hope that break through the overwhelming darkness.

Together, Salles and Teijido create a film that feels both deeply personal and historically urgent. The framing of each scene isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about perspective. Whether through suffocating close-ups of Eunice’s quiet devastation or wide shots that highlight the crushing weight of oppression, “I’m Still Here” draws the audience into its world. Under Salles’s direction, history isn’t just being retold—it’s being felt.

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4. History, Memory, and Personal Truth

At its core, “I’m Still Here” is not just a political film—it’s a deeply personal one. Written by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, the son of Eunice and Rubens Paiva, the film is shaped by his own experience of growing up under Brazil’s military dictatorship, living with the trauma of his father’s disappearance, and witnessing his mother’s relentless fight for justice. His script doesn’t just document history; it brings to life the emotional and psychological weight carried by those left behind. Through Eunice’s journey, the film explores themes of resilience, grief, and the strength it takes to challenge an oppressive system.

More than a historical account, “I’m Still Here” is a powerful reflection on how political violence doesn’t just target individuals—it fractures families and reshapes generations. The film captures the suffocating fear of living under an authoritarian regime while also highlighting the quiet acts of resistance found in everyday life. Eunice’s determination to raise her children, maintain her dignity, and demand answers in a world designed to silence her is a story that resonates far beyond its historical setting.

By telling his family’s story, Paiva creates a film that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. The weight of his own experiences gives the script an undeniable authenticity, making “I’m Still Here*”more than just a film about Brazil’s past—it’s a testament to the enduring fight for truth and justice.

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5. A Masterclass for Actors

For actors, “I’m Still Here” is more than just a powerful story—it’s a masterclass in performance. The film’s nuanced, emotionally charged acting provides an incredible study in:

• restraint,
• authenticity, and
• the power of subtext.

Fernanda Torres, as Eunice Paiva, delivers a performance that feels completely lived-in, proving that great acting isn’t about spectacle but about truth. She embodies a woman who carries immense grief and frustration while maintaining composure in a society that expects her to be silent. Her ability to convey emotions through the smallest gestures—a pause, a breath, a flicker of doubt—demonstrates the importance of subtlety in performance.

For actors looking to develop their craft, Selton Mello’s portrayal of Rubens Paiva is equally instructive. Though his presence in the film is limited, every moment he’s on screen is imbued with weight and significance. His performance is a study in making an impact with limited screen time. Mello uses his voice, physicality, and stillness to create a character whose warmth and conviction remain present throughout the film, despite his early absence. This is a lesson in economy—how to make every second count without overplaying a role.

Most Brazilian screen actors, including Torres and Mello, are trained in the Stanislavsky method, which prioritizes deep emotional truth and psychological realism. This is evident in “I’m Still Here”, where every performance feels rooted in the characters’ lived experiences rather than traditional theatricality. The emotional depth, the naturalistic dialogue, and the way the actors fully embody their roles make the film a valuable study for anyone working in the craft. The chemistry between actors—especially in the family dynamics—feels completely organic, as if we’re watching real people rather than scripted characters. The way they listen, react, and engage in natural rhythms of dialogue is a crucial takeaway for any actor striving for realism. This film is a reminder that great acting isn’t just about delivering lines—it’s about inhabiting a world so fully that the audience forgets they’re watching fiction.

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Conclusion: “I’m Still Here” is A Film to Remember

“I’m Still Here” isn’t just a movie. It is a testament to the power of cinema to:

• preserve history,
• honor those who fought against injustice, and
• remind us of the resilience of the human spirit.

With a deeply personal script by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, masterful direction by Walter Salles, and career-defining performances by Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello, the film stands as one of the most compelling portrayals of Brazil’s military dictatorship ever brought to the screen.

Beyond its historical significance, “I’m Still Here” is an essential watch for actors, filmmakers, and anyone who appreciates nuanced, emotionally rich storytelling. It offers a powerful study of performance, subtlety, and naturalism—qualities that make the difference between good acting and unforgettable screen presence. It also reminds us that great films don’t just entertain; they challenge, provoke, and leave us with something to carry long after we’ve left the theater.

For those who seek cinema that matters, this film is more than a recommendation—it’s required viewing. Through its artistry and emotional depth, “I’m Still Here” ensures that the story of Eunice and Rubens Paiva isn’t just remembered but deeply felt.

Watch “I’m Still Here” on Prime Video

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