The Boys from Brazil: Rise of the Bolsonaros

The Boys from Brazil: Rise of the Bolsonaros delves into the life of Jair Bolsonaro, a man whose ascension to power defied not only the boundaries of his home nation, Brazil, but also the conventions of the global stage. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise as the President of Brazil, Bolsonaro's life is a testament to his unwavering conviction and unrelenting ambition, traits that would propel him to unprecedented heights and also draw fervent opposition from his detractors. Born on March 21, 1955, in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, Bolsonaro grew up in a family with conservative values and a strong Catholic background. His father, Percy, was a retired army officer, a fact that would have a lasting impact on Bolsonaro's worldview and future endeavors. After completing his secondary education, Bolsonaro followed in his father's footsteps by joining the Brazilian Army, where he rose through the ranks and became a police officer, specializing in anti-terrorism operations. As depicted in the documentary, Bolsonaro's experiences in the Army shaped his worldview and instilled in him a strong sense of patriotism. He became increasingly disillusioned with the democratic establishment and grew critical of Brazil's corrupt and ineffective government. This sense of dissatisfaction fueled his decision to enter politics, a move that would change the course of his life forever. Bolsonaro's first foray into politics came in the 1980s as a state representative in Rio de Janeiro. Over the years, he would go on to hold various positions, including a stint as the state's secretary for security. However, it wasn't until his election to the lower house of Congress in 1991 that Bolsonaro's national profile began to take shape. Throughout the documentary, those who knew Bolsonaro personally, including his eldest son Flávio, paint a portrait of a man driven by a deep-seated desire for power and a conviction to reshape Brazil in his image. Flávio, who became a key figure in his father's presidency, reflects on the pivotal moments in Bolsonaro's life that contributed to his meteoric rise. As the documentary recounts, Bolsonaro's campaign for the presidency in 2018 marked a turning point in his career. He ran as a conservative outsider, tapping into the widespread discontent among Brazilians who felt disillusioned with the governing Workers' Party. Bolsonaro's unapologetic stance on issues such as gun rights, law and order, and his vocal criticism of LGBTQ+ rights resonated with a sizable segment of the Brazilian electorate. Bolsonaro's unorthodox campaign, which often relied on social media and populist rhetoric, captured the imagination of voters who felt underrepresented and disenchanted with the traditional power structures. His rise was further fueled by the country's fragile economy, which was beset by soaring inflation, corruption scandals, and a crumbling infrastructure. The documentary highlights the significant challenges that Bolsonaro faced during his presidential campaign, including the opposition of powerful politicians, media moguls, and even some within his own party. Despite these obstacles, Bolsonaro persevered, drawing on his army background and instincts to create a sense of urgency and momentum around his candidacy. Once in power, Bolsonaro's presidency was marked by controversy and polarization. His hardline stance on issues such as the environment and indigenous rights sparked protests and international criticism. Moreover, his decision to deploy the military to quell street violence and maintain order contributed to a deepening sense of unease and instability within the country. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Bolsonaro's presidency also reflected moments of triumph. His handling of the economy, though contentious, brought about some degree of stabilization, and his efforts to reduce corruption and improve public security drew praise from some quarters. The documentary raises critical questions about the nature of Bolsonaro's impact, as well as the broader implications of his presidency for Brazil and South America. Was Bolsonaro's rise a product of calculated ambition, shrewd manipulation, or a genuine desire to bring change to the country? What does his presidency reveal about the complex fault lines within Brazilian society, and how will his legacy shape the future of the region? The Boys from Brazil: Rise of the Bolsonaros is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the extraordinary journey of a leader whose path to power was fraught with controversy, passion, and high stakes drama.