Forced disappearances of political opponents and/or their family members have been part of the repertoire of dictatorships and oppressive regimes in Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, and other places around the world. Many of the “disappeared” have never been found, and their families do not know if they are dead or still alive somewhere. According to the Rome statue of the International Criminal Court, which came into force on July 1, 2002, when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed at any civilian population, enforced disappearance qualifies as a crime against humanity.
This story, based on true events, takes place in Brazil in 1970 when a military dictatorship is using harsh measures to solidify their power. Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), a former congressman, has returned to Rio de Janeiro after years of exile and is living happily with his wife Eunice (Fernanda Torres) and five children in a beach community. Quietly he is supporting expatriates and opponents of the dictatorship.
One night in January 1971 the miliary raid their house and take him away. Eunice makes public inquiries about his whereabouts but this only results in her and one daughter being taken into custody and interrogated. After their release, she continues to seek information about Rubens, but it is not until 1996 when she receives an official death certificate.
Fernanda Torres as Eunice leads a superb cast in a story where the political becomes intensely personal. Carefully modulating her reactions, lest she spark more difficulties, she proves to be both courageous and determined. “This is what OPPRESSION looks like” – she seems to be chanting. Her story, sadly enough, is being repeated around the world today and especially in Palestine where thousands of men, women, and children have disappeared into Israeli prisons.