Anos Rebeldes

Miniseries that contributed greatly to maintaining and even increasing the myth about 1964 and the military regime. It tells the story of a minority as if it were the complete story, forgetting all its complexity and contradictions.

The real mistakes made by the military are forgotten, mistakes that only benefited the left in the cultural and political fields were replaced by mistakes invented over time by the media controlled by the left.

The praise for this miniseries is made by people who have been deceived by the media over time or groups that benefit from lies to maintain some control over the minds of the population.

"Anos Rebeldes" (Wild Years) is a Brazilian mini-series that portrays in a very good way what was the country during the dictatorship period. Following another good work, "Anos Dourados" (Golden Years), which dealt with the 50's, this one takes place in the revolutionary 60's. The main character, played by Cássio Gabus Mendes, is a student that like many of his colleagues is connected with left-wing movements, and his views towards society are completely opposed to those of the Government. Naturally, he and his friends suffer from that - there is a completely hilarious scene, when a policeman discovers a book in his place called "A Capital" (Capital City), by Eça de Queiroz, a Portuguese writer, and frowns towards the student because he immediately thinks that it is the famous work of Karl Marx!

The actors are all very convincing - Cláudia Abreu also deserves to be mentioned, for her part as the brave friend of Cássio Gabus Mendes - and the whole, when seen together with "Anos Dourados", makes a good portrait of Brazil during some twenty years, contrasting the apparent peacefulness of the 50's with the anger that took place a decade later.

Although Brazilian mini-series are quite difficult to see outside the country, this one is worth watching and not only by people that are interested in the history of South America. Because, above everything, you have the pleasure of seeing Brazilian actors playing, which is indeed a rare joy, as they seem that to do it so naturally.

A word also goes for the wonderful song of the soundtrack, "Alegria, Alegria" (Joy, Joy) played by one of the true geniuses of Brazilian song, Caetano Veloso. When the "Tropicalista" Movement was in its bloom, Caetano created this unique opus, mixing typical rhythms of his country with psychedelic pop rock.

As soon as I finished Anos Rebeldes, I was filled with longing... I knew it was a story that had changed my life.

Having always been a huge fan of History and being fascinated by the dictatorships in Latin America, I was very excited to start watching this mini-series. I remembered having seen some of the episodes when I was much younger and loving it, yet I was a bit worried I would no longer feel the same towards it. I was, however, surprised: I usually criticise fiercely the Brazilian way of acting, for I find it too unnatural, but this series had a cast that embraced the scenes, making them completely believable, natural and human.

Our society is much better represented in this work, set half a century ago, than in nowadays' soap operas, which still neglect our constantly growing middle class, focusing instead on incredibly wealthy families that have servants, and despite having been written 22 years ago, Anos Rebeldes is less misogynistic and sexist than what is currently popular in our media.

In spite of its fictional nature, history is still omnipresent, the political events and deeds of the time always influencing the characters' personal lives, and it seems to be rather accurate in its representation of 1964-1970's Brazil. Very touching and entertaining, the mini-series is also informative and awakens one's interest in the period (or at least it got me obsessed with the Military Dictatorships, stimulating my curiosity, leading me to so many discoveries).

Anos Rebeldes is a masterpiece, a milestone in Brazilian television and one of the best series I've ever watched.