Watch Pinochet's Last Stand

Pinochet's Last Stand is a 2006 film that recounts the final days of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet's rule. The movie revolves around the legal battle that takes place in London, where Pinochet is seeking refuge after being accused of human rights violations and crimes against humanity committed during his time in power. The film features an all-star cast, with Derek Jacobi taking on the role of Pinochet, the former President of Chile. The movie also stars Phyllida Law as the fictional judge who presides over Pinochet's case, and Peter Capaldi, who plays the Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzón, who seeks to bring Pinochet to justice for his crimes.

As the movie begins, we see Pinochet living a lavish lifestyle in London with his wife and family, still revered by some as a hero and patriot. However, the plot unfolds as the Spanish and British authorities work together to indict Pinochet for his crimes during his rule.

The movie portrays the fierce legal battle that takes place in the British courts as Pinochet's defense team tries everything in their power to prevent him from being extradited to Spain to face prosecution. Jacobi delivers a powerful performance as the ailing dictator who is determined to fight for his freedom and avoid facing justice. Meanwhile, viewers see the inner workings of the defense team and how they use every legal technicality to either delay the trial or prevent it from happening altogether.

Throughout the movie, the audience is witness to the conflict between those seeking to bring Pinochet to justice and those who believe he should be given sanctuary in London, which adds to the drama and tension of the film. Additionally, the personal struggles and motivations of many of the movie's characters are depicted, especially the fictional judge who is faced with the difficult decision of whether to allow Pinochet to go free or to extradite him to Spain.

The movie skillfully blends drama and historical facts, drawing on real events and actual court transcripts to create a gripping portrayal of a significant moment in recent history. Pinochet's Last Stand highlights the human element of the case, particularly the impact on the victims of Pinochet's actions and their families, who are desperate for justice. The film also raises important questions about the tensions between the pursuit of justice and the limits of political power.

While the movie does not shy away from portraying the brutality and violence of Pinochet's regime, it never loses sight of the legal and political complexities surrounding the case. Additionally, it portrays the international cooperation necessary to bring powerful figures like Pinochet to justice, emphasizing the importance of international legal norms and institutions.

Overall, Pinochet's Last Stand is a powerful and thought-provoking film that not only delivers a masterful portrayal of the legal drama surrounding the case but also underscores the importance of human rights and the rule of law in the international arena. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the pursuit of justice and the use of international law to bring war criminals to account.

Pinochet's Last Stand is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.