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Laerte-se

Where to Watch Laerte-se

2017

Laerte-se is a Brazilian documentary released in 2017, that intimately explores the personal journey of renowned Brazilian cartoonist, Laerte Coutinho. The moving film delves into the life of Laerte after deciding to come out as a transgender woman, illuminating her personal transformation and exploration of her identity.

The documentary, directed by Lygia Barbosa and Eliane Brum, offers a biographical sketch of Laerte, who has been heralded as one of Brazil's most accomplished cartoonists, known for her witty, socially conscious, and often controversial work. Laerte's creative oeuvre extends to the realms of illustration, comic strips, and graphic novels, often serving as a poignant chronicle of Brazil's societal shifts and political landscapes.

Laerte-se is not strictly a journalistic documentary— it is an intimate memoir that invites viewers to step into Laerte's complex world. It neither idolizes nor scrutinizes Laerte for her choices, rather, it honors her story through an empathetic lens, managing to convey the nuances of her unique experience in a carefully balanced way.

The autobiographical journey embedded in the documentary opens up with Laerte questioning the nature of femininity. Is it connected to biology, is it a cultural construct, or perhaps a combination of both? In her exploration, Laerte becomes a vessel for broader dialogues about gender fluidity, objectification, transphobia, and the dichotomous perceptions that continue to confine gender roles.

The narrative, imbued with a personal and emotional flare, exposes Laerte’s struggles and joys through conversations, solitary contemplations, and segments of her daily routine. It also includes a series of candid interviews with close friends, family members including her son Rafael Coutinho, and professional acquaintances, each offering their perspective on Laerte’s transition and the impact it has had on their relationships.

The film encapsulates Laerte's life chronicled after the manifold repressions and the persisting societal discrimination that trans people face. From the small mundane tasks such as clothes shopping to profound moments of self-reflection, the directors screenplay offers an honest, unfiltered view of Laerte's narrative, highlighting her courage, vulnerability, and introspection.

Made for Netflix, the film is set against the atmospheric backdrop of Laerte's home in São Paulo, which doubles as her creative studio where she spends time weaving her distinct visual stories. More than a personal chronicle of Laerte's life, the setting itself serves as a visual testament to her personality - eclectic, passionate, and rooted in her choices.

Laerte-se does an excellent job of portraying the human experience of transitioning and manages to personalize the abstract notions of identity and self-acceptance. The camera's lens works almost as a confessional space, revealing Laerte's transformation from the inside out. The director's choice of providing ample space for the artistic process in the film, also adds an interesting layer to the narrative, showcasing how her transformation has altered her work creatively. This emphasis not only serves as an intriguing thematic thread, but it also enriches Laerte's portrayal outside of her gender identity alone.

Regardless of the viewer's personal thoughts or beliefs about gender and identity, this audience-friendly documentary aims to foster empathy and understanding by illustrating the intimate journey of an individual navigating self-discovery and acceptance in a prejudiced world.

Laerte-se is a powerful portrayal of Laerte Coutinho, a human being amidst the highs and lows of her personal journey, seen best in her own exceptional art. It presents an eye-opening chance for viewers to delve into the life of a trans woman and gain insights into the realities of the trans community in Brazil.

Despite its regional backdrop, the universality of its themes and its honest portrayal of the human experience makes Laerte-se a worth-watching documentary that speaks volumes about identity, humanity, and acceptance. This poignant story of self-discovery, embodied by a courageous creative spirit, manages to convey a resonant message: that the quest for authenticity in the face of societal norms is indeed a courageous act of rebellion, and in the end, an act of self-love.

Laerte-se is a Documentary movie released in 2017. It has a runtime of 100 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.0..

7.0/10
Director
Lygia Barbosa, Eliane Brum
Stars
Laerte Coutinho
Genres