NEW Four Days In September (DVD)

A small group of radical students became revolutionaries. Clearly they were over their heads with their dreams of freedom. A bungled bank robbery caused one of the students to be tortured and imprisoned. Something drastic had to be done. Several hard-boiled older radicals came to assist them and the plan for the kidnap was hatched. How it played out is the brought to the screen by Bruno Baretto, as all the participants from the student dreamer played by Pedro Cardoso, to the strong minded woman who saw herself as a revolutionary, played by Fernanda Torres, are shown to be both dangerous and naïve. Alan Arkin is cast as the ambassador and some of the scenes between him and his captors are masterpieces of subtlety and realism. We see many sides of the problem, including the side of the young policeman who has nightmares because his job forces him to torture prisoners.

Instead of making judgment, the film lets the audience experience the realities of the situation, which exacerbates the harshness of the government. The emotional tenseness never ceases and the audience is drawn into the drama. As an epilogue it jumps to a later time, when the original radicals, now older and wiser are freed in a prisoner exchange. As the camera pans their faces, we see how they have changed.

The film sets us down in a time and place that is gone now. Times have changed and so have the methods of idealists. There is something to learn, however, from this lesson in history. It is well crafted, brilliantly directed and the actors are superb. No wonder it was nominated for an academy award. Highly recommended.

I have seen many historical films, and this is one of the best. There are no cardboard heroes or villains in this film; there are lots of moral shades of gray. Are these students terrorists or freedom fighters? Is the ambassador an innocent victim, or an ally of oppressive forces?

Leopoldo Serran's intelligent script is based on Fernando Gabeira's book "O Que E Isso, Companhiero?" The dialogue offers thought-provoking insights into the minds of the individuals involved in these events. The cast gives universally superb performances; particularly impressive is veteran U.S. actor Alan Arkin as Ambassador Charles Elbrick. The film as a whole is well complemented by a memorable musical soundtrack. Barreto's direction is both suspenseful and sensitive. Whether you are interested in Latin American history or just enjoy a well-made drama, I highly recommend this film.