Sergio

Movie Trailer

Release Date
April 17, 2020

Genre
Biographical Drama

Cast & Crew

• Wagner Moura as Sérgio Vieira de Mello
• Ana de Armas as Carolina Larriera
• Bradley Whitford as Paul Bremer
• Garret Dillahunt as Bill von Zehle
• Brían F. O’Byrne as Gil Loescher
• Clemens Schick as Gaby Perrier
• Will Dalton as Andre Valentine

Director
Greg Barker

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Manhunt: The Inside Story of the Hunt for Bin Laden (2013)
• The Final Year (2017)
• Ghosts of Rwanda (2004)

Producer
Wagner Moura, Brent Travers, Daniel Dreifuss, Greg Barker

Writer
Craig Borten (screenplay), based on the biography Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World by Samantha Power

Budget
Estimated $16 million

Production Company
Black Rabbit Media, Anima Pictures, Netflix

Running Time
118 minutes

Languages
English, Portuguese, Arabic, French

Maturity Rating
R (for language, some bloody images, and brief sexual content)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Scenes of violence and war
• Some disturbing images
• Brief sexual content

Movie Story
Sergio is a biographical drama that tells the story of Sérgio Vieira de Mello (Wagner Moura), a charismatic and influential Brazilian diplomat who worked for the United Nations, dedicating his life to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts around the world. The film focuses on Sérgio’s final mission in Iraq, where he was serving as the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.

As Sérgio navigates the complex and dangerous political landscape of post-invasion Iraq, the film also delves into his personal life, particularly his relationship with his partner, Carolina Larriera (Ana de Armas). The narrative shifts between past and present, exploring Sérgio’s previous missions in places like East Timor, where he played a key role in the country’s transition to independence, and his time in Cambodia, where he worked on refugee resettlement.

The film reaches its climax with the devastating bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, which trapped Sérgio and his colleagues under the rubble. As rescue efforts unfold, the movie flashes back to key moments in Sérgio’s life, revealing his struggles, triumphs, and the personal sacrifices he made in the pursuit of peace and justice.

Sergio is a poignant and emotional portrayal of a man who was both a dedicated public servant and a complex individual, torn between his professional duties and personal desires. The film highlights Sérgio’s commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and his unyielding belief in the potential for positive change, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Special Effects
The special effects in Sergio are primarily used to recreate the intense and tragic scenes of the 2003 UN headquarters bombing in Baghdad. The film employs practical effects and CGI to depict the chaos and destruction caused by the bombing, as well as the desperate rescue efforts that followed. These scenes are depicted with realism and urgency, emphasizing the danger and stakes involved. The visual effects are complemented by the film’s cinematography, which captures both the beauty and the devastation of the various global locations where Sérgio served.

Box Office Performance
Sergio was released on Netflix, where it garnered attention for its compelling story and strong performances, particularly by Wagner Moura and Ana de Armas. While it did not have a traditional box office release, the film reached a wide audience through streaming, earning praise for its portrayal of a significant figure in international diplomacy. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its emotional depth and performances, while others felt the narrative structure was uneven.

Filming Locations

• Jordan
• Thailand
• Brazil
• New York City, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes you have to pick a side, even if it’s the wrong one.” – Sérgio Vieira de Mello
• “We’re here to build a new world, not just for ourselves, but for everyone.” – Sérgio Vieira de Mello
• “You can’t save everyone, Sérgio.” – Carolina Larriera

Behind-the-Scenes

• Wagner Moura, who is known for his role as Pablo Escobar in Narcos, was deeply committed to bringing Sérgio Vieira de Mello’s story to life, both as an actor and as a producer. Moura, a Brazilian native, was passionate about portraying one of Brazil’s most respected diplomats.
• Director Greg Barker, who previously directed a documentary about Sérgio titled Sergio (2009), brought his deep understanding of the subject matter to the film, aiming to present a nuanced and human portrayal of the diplomat.
• The film’s screenplay was adapted by Craig Borten, who co-wrote the Academy Award-winning screenplay for Dallas Buyers Club (2013).

Awards

• None, but the film was noted for Wagner Moura’s strong performance and its portrayal of a significant figure in global diplomacy.

Final Verdict
Sergio is a heartfelt and moving biographical drama that sheds light on the life and legacy of Sérgio Vieira de Mello, a man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place. Wagner Moura delivers a compelling performance, capturing both the professional and personal sides of Sérgio’s life. The film’s blend of historical events and personal drama makes it an engaging watch, particularly for those interested in international affairs and humanitarian work. While it may not be perfect in its narrative structure, Sergio succeeds in honoring the memory of a man who made a profound impact on the world.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10