Adolfo Perez Esquivel: Rivers of Hope

2015 • 77 minutes

About this movie

“Adolfo Perez Esquivel: RIVERS OF HOPE” is the story of Latin America over the past eighty years as seen through the eyes of one man. Nobel Peace Prize winner Esquivel shares his journey illustrating the ongoing struggle for social justice across Latin America.

Ratings and reviews

The pitch for this film is "the story of Latin America over the past eighty years as seen through the eyes of one man." OK, that is pretty breathless, even if that one man is a Nobel Prize-winning peace activist. The best thing I can say about this film is, if you want to know about Adolfo Perez Esquivel, more or less in his own words, watch this. If you want to know about Latin America, this film is the worst sort of nonsense - there is very little context, an un-stated political and quasi-religious agenda, little attention to the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo and others who struggled with Argentina's "dirty war" - the military and political campaign against the left, and virtually nothing about the rest of Latin America, aside from Perez's trips to various bishops' conferences and meetings with indigenous leaders (cue film of Perez and others in "native" gear). As a promotional pic, this has its moments. For those who want to know more about Latin America, would not recommend.

An inspiring story beautifully told through the weaving of the personal, political and poetic. Deeply moving, filled with fascinating details of his life and well rooted in history. Told in an accessible style this doc deepens our understanding of events across Latin America and how one man's determination to fight for social justice, in the face of brutal repression, really did make a difference. Gives you a sense that there is a broad global movement made up of diverse people standing up for their rights. A wonderful tool for learning from history and inspiring one to "walk the words" through activism. Definitely leaves you with a sense of hope.Put this one on your must see list!

Watching this movie is like jumping into the middle of a struggle as epic as the rebel alliance vs the galactic empire, but it's not fiction, it's what really happened here on earth in the not too distant past. The hero to emerge faces violence, imprisonment, and torture, not with more violence in return, but with love and peace. A truly wonderful, inspiring, and wisdom filled film that is important viewing for all who wish to create change in the face of such unequal, destructive times.