You are here:

How Good to See You Alive

Name: How Good to See You Alive
Director: Lúcia Murat
Released: 1989
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

9.2/10

Excellent

1989

Director

Lúcia Murat

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Lúcia Murat’s film combines documentary and fiction to challenge official state histories. By focusing on the experiences of female political prisoners, the film turns personal memories into a powerful critique of institutional oppression. The film excels at elevating the voices of women who navigate systemic political violence. This approach challenges traditional historical narratives that often overlook the significant roles women play during periods of national repression. While the film offers deep insights into the psychological trauma of survivors, it remains centered on political identity. The narrative structure prioritizes the struggle against the military dictatorship over explicit explorations of LGBTQ+ or specific physical disability identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does How Good to See You Alive have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on political struggles related to gender rather than specific LGBTQ+ narratives. There are no clear depictions of individuals who don't identify with their assigned gender at birth or specific LGBTQ+ identities.

How does How Good to See You Alive portray gender?

Excellent

Women are portrayed as central political actors with significant influence rather than passive victims. This counters traditional views by highlighting the voices of female political activists.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How Good to See You Alive?

Good

The film addresses Brazilian national identity and the impact of colonial history. Although specific cast makeup isn't detailed, the historical context suggests a move away from a single perspective.

How does How Good to See You Alive represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative criticizes Western-style authoritarianism and state-sponsored violence. It emphasizes personal memories and subjective experiences over the official state history.

Does How Good to See You Alive include disability representation?

Fair

The film examines the hidden disabilities of PTSD and chronic trauma from systematic torture. However, it doesn’t show specific physical or developmental disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights women as influential political figures rather than victims.
Combines documentary and fiction to question official state histories.
Offers a deep look into the psychological trauma and resilience of survivors.

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Needs more information about the racial and ethnic makeup of the cast.
Should feature characters with visible physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Four years after a military coup overthrew the Brazilian government in 1964, all civil rights were suspended and torture became a systematic practice. Using a mix of fiction and documentary this extraordinary film is a searing record of personal memory, political repression and the will to survive. Interviews with eight women who were political prisoners during the military dictatorship are framed by the fantasies and imaginings of an anonymous character, portrayed by actress Irene Ravache.

How are these scores produced? →