Watch Sergio

Sergio is a 2009 biographical drama film directed by Greg Barker, telling the story of Sergio Vieira de Mello, a Brazilian diplomat who dedicated his life to international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The film features an impressive cast, including acclaimed Brazilian actor Wagner Moura as Sergio and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and American diplomat Samantha Power in pivotal roles.

The film opens with Sergio being trapped under the rubble of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad after a terrorist attack. As he struggles to stay alive, the film takes a flashback to the different phases of his life, starting from his early days as a human rights advocate and political activist in Brazil. It then moves ahead to his work with the UN in Lebanon, Cambodia, and East Timor, which transformed him into one of the world's most respected diplomats.

The film sheds light on the significant role Sergio played in some of the most critical moments of the world's recent history. One of his most significant achievements was his involvement in the East Timor conflict in the late nineties, which helped make the country independent. Sergio's work in East Timor is highlighted in the film, showing how he navigated through the complex political landscape to broker a peace agreement between rival factions, winning the hearts of the East Timorese people.

Throughout the film, Sergio's work is shown as being motivated by his passion for humanitarianism and his desire to make a positive impact on the world. The film also portrays his personal life, including his relationships with his family and his long-time girlfriend Caroline. These moments inject a sense of empathy and humanity into the film, reminding viewers that even the most accomplished individuals have their own vulnerabilities and personal struggles.

The film also features Tony Blair and Samantha Power as political figures who interacted with Sergio in different phases of his career. Blair, who was the UK Prime Minister at the time of the Iraq War, is shown as being frustrated with Sergio's criticisms of the occupation, while Samantha Power recounts her memories of working with him during the Kosovo conflict.

In addition to highlighting Sergio's accomplishments and struggles, the film also delves into the working of the UN and the complexities of international diplomacy. The film depicts the UN as a complex organization, navigating through the various political and cultural biases of its member nations to achieve its objectives. At one point in the film, Sergio is seen challenging his colleagues' bureaucratic norms, urging them to embed themselves in the ground-level realities of the missions they were overseeing.

The film's director, Greg Barker, uses a non-linear narrative to weave together Sergio's life story, giving viewers a unique insight into the life of the extraordinary diplomat. The narrative keeps the viewers engaged, offering glimpses into Sergio's life at different moments while also showing how these moments shaped him as an individual.

Overall, Sergio is a captivating biographical drama that tells the story of a man who devoted his life to humanitarianism and international diplomacy. The film highlights not only Sergio's achievements but also the complex and nuanced nature of international politics and the UN. The impressive performances by the cast, particularly Wagner Moura's portrayal of Sergio, make the film a must-watch for those interested in world affairs and diplomacy.

Sergio is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.