Wow, “Four Days in September” really took me by surprise. One minute you’re sipping on a cup of coffee, and the next you’re entirely wrapped up in an intense political thriller. This Brazilian film, directed by Bruno Barreto, plunges us into the chaotic world of 1969, during the era of Brazil’s military dictatorship. Can you imagine living under constant tension and fear? It’s like something out of a nightmare.

The movie’s about a group of militants from the MR8 (Movimento Revolucionário 8 de Outubro) who kidnap an American ambassador to trade him for political prisoners. Sounds heavy, right? It is. But it’s also gripping. It’s got that “edge-of-your-seat” vibe, and as much as I hate that cliché, it fits here. Alan Arkin plays the ambassador, and his performance is just solid—he’s got that weary, world-worn look that fits perfectly. Plus, the Brazilian actors really bring their A-game, offering a rawness that feels authentic.

The cinematography is slick, with a lot of close-ups that kind of force you to confront the characters’ desperation. There’s one scene, where they’re hiding out in a safehouse, that had me practically holding my breath. You can almost hear your own heartbeat in sync with theirs. The soundtrack, though, I found a bit too dramatic at times. Maybe that’s just me, but it took away from the rawness a smidge.

What really stuck with me about “Four Days in September” is the whole theme of sacrifice and ideology. At what point do your beliefs justify your actions? Big question, right? I remember discussing this film with an old friend over a steaming cup of svart kaffe at a cafe in Stockholm. We ended up chatting for hours, almost missing a bus home, debating whether we could ever be as brave or as desperate as the characters in the movie. It was one of those deep conversations that stay with you.

And let me tell you, the film makes you think about the cost of political activism. It’s not all black and white, folks. These guys were fighting for freedom, but their methods were… well, controversial to say the least. It kinda reminds me of the old Swedish films we grew up with, where nothing was ever straightforward.

So, if you’re into political dramas with a little bit of action and a lot of emotions, give “Four days in september” a try.