A Portuguese Boy"s 1970s Adventure in Soviet Russia

Catarina Mourão’s documentary delves into the life of a young Portuguese boy who, driven by socialist ideals, left his home in Lisbon for the Soviet Union at just 15 years old. He settled in Astrakhan, where he enrolled in a course focused on fishing techniques. However, the romanticized vision of a new life soon clashed with the stark realities of living alone in a foreign country. The boy's youthful enthusiasm was quickly overshadowed by the challenges he faced, including relationship issues and a growing disillusionment with the communist regime that he had once admired. After a year of struggle, he returned to Portugal, carrying not only postcards and photographs from his time in Russia but also a profound sense of failure and shame. The documentary captures his journey of confronting these feelings and the impact of his experiences on his identity. It also highlights the intergenerational dialogue between him and his son, who is portrayed as a young musician grappling with his own secrets. Their conversations reveal moments of understanding and compassion, which serve as the emotional core of the film. While the re-enactments of his time in Astrakhan may seem distracting, they underscore the significance of Martim's reflections and the bond he shares with his son. Ultimately, the film invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of personal growth and the lasting effects of past choices on familial relationships.