Pablo Larrain's movie reflect on the events of the 1988 Chilean referendum on a character named Rene's Saavedra who runs a television show aimed at ending General Augusto rule. Coexistence between idealism and rebellion are among the major elements covered in the film. The "NO" film not only entertains but it provides shades light on cultural and social problems affecting the Chilean citizens.
One of the major issues raised in the movie is social injustice and the need for democracy. Chile's ruler was a dictator called Augusto who made the life of the various Chile citizens miserable (Stern 7). A group of publicity agents later come to an agreement to promote democracy and fight against the dictatorship that affects their state. The weapon they use against General Augusto is the media were they air programs that advocate for the voting "No" to end the fifteen years of the dictator's power. The publicity agents sort for a peaceful and legal means to fight against fifteen years of constant oppression from the dictator.
General Augusto is one of the most feared dictators in Chile, during his time he continually oppressed opposition by killing them, arresting them and sending them running from their country (Meade 125). It is evident that the Chilean people were subjected to immense suffering from the dictator and could not react to it. Statistics indicate that he was able to send 200000 opposition leaders in exile, and an addition 30,000 got arrested. General Augusto intimidations and threats affect the social life of individuals in Chile (Munoz 5). Many people are in fear of government and hence cannot speak openly about their dislike of the governing process due to a fee of death, exile or arrest. In the movie, many voters are afraid to vote as they feel that the General will not respect the verdict of the results, and they may end up being targets for opposing Augusto's rule.
Some of the examples that prove the ruthlessness and injustice caused by the government on the people include; Exiling of Saavedra to Mexico because of promoting ideologies on democracy and the constant harassment of Veronica by the military because of her stand with the democratic group. Veronica was the general's wife, and she was beaten by the military twice during the movie. Veronica has to make a decision between abandoning her ideologies and returning to her husband whom she loves.
One of the political outcomes of constant suppression from the ruler is the "NO" movement which plans on ending fifteen years of the General Augusto rule in the region (Pereira 5). Saavedra advocates for working in harmony in a democratic state where individuals have equal rights and minimal oppression. High level of incompetence and violent opposition which were among the major pillar factors in Pinochet administration. Further made the citizens hate the leader and were in constant demand of getting a new ruler that promotes democracy for all. Through the ‘No' referendum movement the residents of Chile can vote against the proposed referendum and usher in a new era of freedom.
Larrain's film significantly portrays some dynamics that his country should embrace after suffering decades of oppression and injustice under General Augusto (Cronovich 123). The majority of the leaders in the region until today follow ideas of the soft campaign and indirectly addressing ideological content and sociopolitical issues. Saavedra explains that the general learned how to promote his ideologies and manifesto effectively through the use of media and how he can convince people to be loyal to his government. Pinochet often appears in the movie hanging with kids to show a fatherly figure and hence overshadow his sadist and dictatorship image. He uses the media to reach out to his followers and portray a better image to gain their votes. The movie also morally condemns tyranny through showing scenes of Veronica mercilessly beaten by the military for her divergent stand on the political platform.
Work cited
Stern, Steve J. Remembering Pinochet's Chile: On the Eve of London 1998. Duke University Press, 2009.
Meade, Teresa A. "Holding the junta accountable: Chile's" Sitios de Memoria" and the history of torture, disappearance, and death." Radical History Review 79.1 (2001): 123-139.
Munoz, Betilde V. "WHERE ARE THE WOMEN? The Case of Chilean Women: 1973-1989." International Social Science Reviews 74.1/2 (1999): 3-19.
Pereira, Anthony W. Political (in) justice: Authoritarianism and the Rule of Law in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005.
Cronovich, Paula Thorrington. "Out of the Blackout, into the Light: How the Arts Survived Pinochet's Dictatorship." IBEROAMERICANA (2013): 119-137.
