Watch The Year My Parents Went on Vacation

In the movie The Year My Parents Went on Vacation, set in 1970 Brazil, twelve-year-old Mauro (Michel Joelsas) is left in the care of his grandfather by his parents who must flee the country to evade the dictatorship. However, his grandfather suddenly dies and Mauro is forced to fend for himself in an unfamiliar neighborhood near São Paulo.

Mauro's arrival coincides with the start of the World Cup, which captures the excitement of the entire country. His new neighbors, mostly Jewish immigrants, are preoccupied with the tournament and do not seem to notice the absence of Mauro's parents. Nevertheless, he soon befriends an elderly, kindhearted mechanic named Shlomo (Germano Haiut), who takes him under his wing and allows him to stay in his repair shop.

Shlomo introduces Mauro to the rich traditions of Judaism and teaches him how to play soccer. He also helps him understand the political turmoil gripping the country, as they listen to the radio broadcasts of a mysterious radio broadcaster known only as "The Voice of the People".

Over time, Mauro becomes increasingly aware of the weight of his parents' absence and yearns for their return. He writes them letters and posts them in a mailbox in anticipation of their arrival. However, as the days stretch into weeks, Mauro begins to realize that his parents may not be coming back for a while, if at all.

As the World Cup nears its final stages, tensions are high in the neighborhood, and Mauro's relationship with Shlomo becomes strained. In a moment of desperation, he steals money from the repair shop to buy a ticket to the stadium for the final match. However, when he arrives at the stadium, he is unable to enter due to the high levels of security, and he sits on the sidelines listening to the roars of the crowd.

In the end, Mauro must come to terms with the reality of his situation and find a way to move forward. He learns that family can come in many forms, and that the bonds we forge with others can provide us with the love and support we need to navigate through difficult times.

Overall, The Year My Parents Went on Vacation is a poignant and heartwarming coming-of-age tale that explores the themes of identity, loss, and resilience. The performances by Joelsas, Haiut, and Piepszyk are excellent, and the cinematography captures the vibrancy and energy of 1970s Brazil. The film is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the power of community to help us overcome adversity.