The Chilean coup refers to the military coup that took place in Chile on September 11, 1973, leading to the ousting of democratically elected President Salvador Allende and the establishment of a dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet. This historical event has been a source of inspiration for various filmmakers who have explored its impact from different perspectives, ranging from the immediate effects on the political landscape to the personal stories of those who lived through it. These films often delve into themes of power, resistance, loss, and the enduring spirit of the Chilean people.
“Missing”, 2023
Director: Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick
Directed by Costa-Gavras, this political drama is based on the true story of American journalist Charles Horman, who disappeared in the aftermath of the coup. The film focuses on the efforts of his wife and father to uncover the truth about his disappearance, providing a heart-wrenching look at the human rights violations during the Pinochet regime.
Starring: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney, Tim Griffin, Ava Zaria Lee, Kimberly Cheng, Megan Suri;
Production year: 2023;
Genre: detective, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Missing” on the website imdb.com
“No”, 2012
Director: Pablo Larrain
Directed by Pablo Larraín, this film offers a unique take on the topic, focusing on the 1988 referendum that aimed to determine whether Augusto Pinochet would extend his presidency for another eight years. Gael García Bernal stars as an ad executive who devises an unconventional campaign to oppose Pinochet's rule. “No” blends historical events with a compelling narrative about the power of marketing in political campaigns.
Starring: Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Luis Gnecco, Néstor Cantillana, Antonia Zegers, Marcial Tagle, Pascal Montero, Jaime Vadell, Elsa Poblete, Diego Muñoz;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “No” on the website imdb.com
“The House of the Spirits”, 1993
Director: Bille August
Although not exclusively about the coup, this film, directed by Bille August and based on the novel by Isabel Allende, spans several decades of Chilean history. It follows the lives of the Trueba family, leading up to and following the coup, exploring how political and personal turmoil are interwoven. The story is a mix of personal drama and historical events, illustrating the impact of the coup on different layers of society.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close, Winona Ryder, Antonio Banderas, Maria Conchita Alonso, António Assunção, Julie Balloo, Frank Baker, João Cabral;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The House of the Spirits” on the website imdb.com
“Machuca”, 2004
Director: Andrés Wood
Directed by Andrés Wood, this film is set shortly before the 1973 coup and focuses on the friendship between two boys from vastly different backgrounds. One is from a poor neighborhood, and the other from a wealthy family. The film is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores social inequality and the loss of innocence against the backdrop of political upheaval.
Starring: Matías Quer, Ariel Mateluna, Manuela Martelli, Aline Küppenheim, Ernesto Malbran, Tamara Acosta, Francisco Reyes, Alejandro Trejo, Maria Olga Matte, Gabriela Medina;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Machuca” on the website imdb.com
“Post Mortem”, 2020
Director: Péter Bergendy
Another film by Pablo Larraín, “Post Mortem” is set during the days of the coup and focuses on a morgue worker who becomes embroiled in the political events unfolding around him. The film offers a chilling perspective on the era, highlighting the personal and societal disintegration that accompanied Pinochet's rise to power.
Starring: Viktor Klem, Fruzsina Hais, Judit Schell, Zsolt Anger, Gábor Reviczky, Gabriella Hámori, Andrea Ladányi, Erik Gyarmati, Diána Magdolna Kiss, Mari Nagy;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: horror;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
These films, with their diverse approaches, provide a multifaceted understanding of the Chilean coup and its aftermath, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny and oppression.
In conclusion, films about the Chilean coup represent an important and often overlooked repository of international historical understanding. These films weave compelling narratives around the personal, political and societal upheavals of this tumultuous period. They are a stark reminder of the human cost of political ideologies and power struggles, painted indelibly against the backdrop of Chile's own identity conflicts during the 1970s. Through diverse perspectives and stylistic choices, filmmakers ensure that the lessons from this period are not forgotten, thereby keeping the dialogue around these dark times in Chilean history alive. Indeed, these films are testament to the profound impact of art in preserving and communicating historical realities.
