Watch Four Days in September

Four Days in September is a gripping political thriller based on the book "O que é isso, companheiro?" by Fernando Gabeira. The movie was directed by Bruno Barreto, and first premiered at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival. This film tells the true story of the kidnapping of the American Ambassador Charles Burke Elbrick by a group of leftist guerillas in Brazil in 1969. The guerillas, who called themselves the MR-8, demand the release of 15 political prisoners in exchange for Elbrick's life.

The movie focuses on the relationship between the kidnappers and their hostage as they are forced to spend four torturous days together. The guerillas, led by the charismatic idealist Fernando Gabeira, are portrayed as complex individuals with a deep commitment to their cause. Meanwhile, Elbrick, played impeccably by Alan Arkin, is a career diplomat who initially struggles to understand his captors but eventually forms a bond with them.

The movie takes place against the backdrop of Brazil's military dictatorship, which was in power from 1964 to 1985. The dictatorship was notorious for its brutal repression of political dissidents and leftists. The MR-8 kidnapping of Elbrick was one of the many dramatic events that occurred during this period of Brazil's history.

The film does an excellent job of capturing the tension and uncertainty that characterized Brazil during the dictatorship. It also provides insight into the psychology of people who are willing to risk everything for their beliefs, even if those beliefs challenge the status quo.

The acting in this movie is superb. Alan Arkin, Pedro Cardoso, and Fernanda Torres all give nuanced performances that capture the complex emotional terrain that the characters are navigating. The suspenseful plot and excellent pacing keep the audience engaged throughout.

At its core, Four Days in September is a movie about the struggle for political freedom and the price that people are willing to pay for it. The film resonates as much today as it did when it was released over 20 years ago. It is a must-see for anyone interested in political thrillers, Latin American history, or the human capacity for perseverance and compassion in the face of adversity.