I'm Still Here (2024)

AKA: Ainda Estou Aqui 

1970s Brazil—An idyllic, loving family unit is broken up by the far-right militia. This is an increasingly sad, painful story of intergenerational heartache and trauma. How it tears apart lives and wears them down psychologically, and how those wounds never heal over the years. It's harrowing to witness, even as the film presents as very empathetic to its circumstances. It goes without saying that the highlight of this film is Fernanda Torres's incredible portrayal as the matriarchal center who has to pick up the pieces and try to hold it all together. Based on the true story of Eunice Paiva.

4 old coats out of 5

ON THE ROAD [2012]

Director Walter Salles takes up the near impossible task of adapting Jack Kerouac's novel On The Road for the screen. 

The results are somewhat hit & miss but still incredibly impressive mostly due to the strong presences and nuanced performances from Sam Riley & Garret Hedlund as Sal & Dean. The cinematography is quite breathtaking and thoughtful as is the jazz music constantly dropping in and out of the background.  Unfortunately the recklessness and danger of it's source material is watered down by Salles' inability to take any real risks.  Still, as a fan of the book, it was a joy to see Sal & Dean come to life.

3 frightened hitchhikers out of 5