The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (O Ano em Que Meus Pais Saíram de Férias, 2006) is a Brazilian drama directed by Cao Hamburger. The film is set in 1970, during a politically turbulent period in Brazil under military dictatorship, and intertwines themes of political oppression, childhood innocence, and soccer fever.
The story follows Mauro, a 12-year-old boy whose leftist activist parents are forced to go into hiding, leaving him in the care of his estranged grandfather in São Paulo. However, when Mauro arrives, he discovers that his grandfather has suddenly passed away. Mauro is reluctantly taken in by Shlomo, an elderly neighbor in the city’s Jewish community, despite cultural and generational differences.
As Mauro navigates this unfamiliar environment, he bonds with Shlomo and other locals, forming connections that help him cope with his parents' absence. Meanwhile, the country is gripped by excitement over Brazil's national soccer team's quest to win the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Mauro, like the nation, finds solace and unity in the sport during a time of uncertainty.
The film beautifully captures the contrast between the personal and political, using the lens of a child’s perspective to explore complex themes of family, resilience, and hope amidst chaos. It’s a poignant, heartfelt tale of growth and survival.
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