Is 8 de Janeiro: O Dia que Abalou o Brasil Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

📖 The Core Premise

8 de Janeiro: O Dia que Abalou o Brasil stands as a 2023 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Documentary landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Just one week after the inauguration of the new president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, supporters of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, invaded and vandalized the headquarters of the three branches of government in Brasília: the National Congress, the Planalto Palace and the Supreme Federal Court. Unhappy with their defeat at the polls and guided by fake news and conspiracy theories, many of the pro-Bolsonaro invaders believed that the Armed Forces would overthrow the newly inaugurated government. The images of destruction made headlines around the world. In this special documentary, reporter Camilla Veras Mota and video journalist Giovanni Bello went to Brasília to speak with witnesses of what happened that day and, with the help of experts, piece together the pieces that made the January 8 attacks possible."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Camilla Veras Mota attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is 8 de Janeiro: O Dia que Abalou o Brasil worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, 8 de Janeiro: O Dia que Abalou o Brasil misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 70 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.