Educational Media Reviews Online

Based on the book by Denise Parana, Lula, Son of Brazil, director Fabio Barreto delivers an amazing feature film about the rags-to-riches story of Brazil’s 35th president Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva. The film offers a glimpse into his humble beginnings and political activism prior to becoming President.

Born in the small village of Caetes-Pernambuca in 1945, Lula (Rui Ricardo Diaz) joins an already growing family of six brothers and sisters. His promiscuous and illiterate father abandons the family before Lula’s birth, leaving his indefatigable mother (Gloria Pires) to raise eight children on her own. Oddly, the eighth child is conceived during a return visit by the father. However, as he abandons the family for a second time to go to San Paulo, he takes with him his eldest son. Lula’s mother rejects abject poverty and the father’s absence as reasons for her children not to succeed in life. She forges ahead with daily life dispersing kindness, love, compassion, and above all practical knowledge for survival. She rules with a firm yet gentle hand.

During his childhood, Lula’s mother receives a letter written by the eldest son that is falsely endorsed by the father. She is instructed to sell everything and move to Santos-San Paulo to join the family. Upon their arrival, the father is frozen in shock to see his former family. He barely acknowledges their arrival or existence, and eventually becomes resentful of their presence. He becomes embittered because the children are encouraged to attend school while he must slave all day for little pay. The reality of having to provide for such a large family drives him to become a drunkard and abusive towards the children. However, the mother will not allow anyone to harm her children. She makes the decision to permanently leave the father for good. Sadly, years later, the father dies of alcoholism.

When not studying, Lula takes odd jobs to help support the family. He turns out to be a very bright student and is accepted into a local technical school. He works hard and becomes a machinist, but the country is facing hard economic times and is fostering a growing climate of disgruntled workers. It is also during this time that while working as a machinist that he loses a finger. Growing discontent and a lack of accountability from management sparks his interest in politics and he soon becomes involved in the local union. Subsequently, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Lurdes (Cleo Pires). Unfortunately, their union is brief. His wife dies while giving birth to their first and still-born son.

During his period of mourning, Lula later learns of a widow (Juliana Baroni) who recently lost her husband and is raising her son alone. The two soon bond over their loss, and they marry. It is also during this time that he becomes even more involved in union activities. His natural leadership skills coupled with his ability to speak on behalf of the common worker catapults him into the position of Union President. He leads thousands of workers to strike for a higher salary and better working conditions. Soon, he is imprisoned for his acts against the government. Yet, officials cannot hold him for long, and he is once again a leader among men and women. His political curiosity and activism will soon stretch beyond the boundaries of San Paulo.

The musical direction of Antonio Pinto and Jaques Morelenbaum is exceptional, and the photography outstanding. I highly recommend this film for all libraries.

In closing, former President Lula has received numerous accolades over the years. He is held in high esteem from leaders across the globe. Time Magazine named him as one of the “Most Influential People of the World,” and Forbes ranked him as “One of the World’s Most Powerful People.”