Breaking Myths (2022) Film Review
You have heard of Fernando Grostein Andrade before. He’s the Brazilian filmmaker who shook powerful corporate buildings with the release of 2011’s Breaking Taboos. In this film he revealed the failure of a collective effort to fight the war on drugs. He was also quite clear on his stance on decriminalization of drugs as part of the “solution”. Chances are you agreed on some things, but you probably questioned some of his views. He made you look.
Now, from a more intimate plane, Fernando has made Breaking Myths. Alongside Fernando Siqueira, his partner and another artist, he takes a stand against a political figure that’s incredibly antagonistic. And even though Grostein makes a very personal film out of Breaking Myths, he also shares a wide look into his subject. In that sometimes flimsy mix, there’s a valuable story. One that’s incredibly relevant today, and one that will stay with you. It’s not that Fernando is a victim of a rather violent and unjust system. It’s that he’s not the only one, and perhaps he’s the only one you’ve heard of. His voice is synchronized with millions of others who have said “no more”. That scream is so loud, it’s impossible not to hear.
Breaking Myths is a film about how a country like Brazil has embraced the figure of Jair Bolsonaro. The director doesn’t go for the corrupt aspect of third-world governments, but for the views of such governments. He’s very clear from the beginning: this is a film about Bolsonaro and nothing else. If you think there isn’t a story here, then you haven’t seen Breaking Myths.
Perhaps you’ve read about him, and perhaps you’ve even seen clips of Bolsonaro’s speeches. He’s a monster in a civilized world. But he’s an elected monster. People put him there. It’s why Grostein’s revealing documentary seems absurd sometimes. So many things have happened. And yet Bolsonaro is a huge part of the upcoming ballotage in Brazil.
There’s nothing fictional in Breaking Myths. Grostein doesn’t have to make up stuff to make you think about what put Bolsonaro there. What and who gave him such power. To ask ourselves why is to enter another discussion. I wish we could arrive at an answer. Of course, a civilized one. Because that’s the beauty of democracy. There’s someone beside you and perhaps their views aren’t the same as yours. However, this isn’t that kind of film. This is a cinematic dossier on why we need to open our eyes and observe a villain taking over.
Fernando stays on a very personal path with this film. Being part of the LGBT community attaches him to the challenge of stepping foot in Brazil and becoming a target. It’s not a secret where Bolsonaro stands on this matter. But Breaking Myths goes further, addressing gun violence, and mining practices in Brazil. The fire only gets stronger with more fuel.
If you’re looking for an unbiased documentary about Jair Bolsonaro and his politics, this isn’t it. Is it exactly what the man deserves? Absolutely not. I believe politicians should face the truth of their own actions and justice must be delivered, as if they were regular citizens of the world. Grostein delivers his own form of justice in a brave documentary that should be in the mouth of everyone.
We need to address these matters, and documentaries like these are perfect for starting the conversation. Left-wing, right-wing. Whatever you believe in, we need to discuss this.
