Parents' Guide to

Sergio

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

True story of UN diplomat in Iraq; violence, sex, language.

Movie R 2020 118 minutes
Sergio Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In SERGIO, the US-Iraq War is in its earliest stages when in August, 2003, UN headquarters in a Baghdad hotel are bombed. Trapped beneath the building, Sergio (Wagner Moura), the principal UN diplomat stationed there, recalls events in his life that led to this moment. As valiant attempts to save Sergio (Wagner Moura) and his aide Gil Loescher (Brian F. O'Byrne) are underway, the story of Sergio's UN career, as well as his passionate relationship with another UN worker, Carolina Larriera (Ana de Armas), evolve in flashbacks. From East Timor, where Sergio and Carolina meet during a critical time in the new country's fight for independence, and then in Iraq, both principals are engaged in righteous struggles for the oppressed. Memories from just three months before the bombing reveal Sergio's commitment to the UN, escalating dissension with the U.S. Coalition Leader Paul Bremer (Bradley Whitford), and his intrepid sense of responsibility for the Iraqis who are under siege from both internal and external forces.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

With its charismatic hero, feisty, resourceful heroine, and true events with roots in controversial policies, the film pays tribute to an exceptional man who fought repeatedly for human rights. Sergio is earnest storytelling. The filmmakers, including the excellent actors (even those in the smallest roles), are clearly all-in in what must have been a challenging production. The central character may not have been as blemish-free as he's portrayed here, and the writing isn't as artful as it might have been. Neither, however, lessen the pleasure of discovering Sergio Vieria de Mello and the inspiring final years of his life. It's interesting to note that when the movie was shown at the Sundance Festival in early 2020, Carolina Larriera was on hand to share the moment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence and aftermath of battle footage in Sergio. In what ways does knowing that the violence you're watching is based on true events impact your reaction? Does it make more intense? Sadder? Why is it important to be aware of the impact of violence, especially realistically-portrayed violence like Sergio, on young viewers?

  • Do you think the filmmakers have a particular viewpoint about the events that took place in Iraq leading to the hotel bombing? If so, what is that view? How does the depiction of the U.S. leaders of the mission differ from the portrayal of the men on the ground who were fighting the war, especially the folks were trying desperately to save Sergio and the others?

  • Sergio Vieria de Molllo is remembered as a real-life hero. How did learning about his past missions (in East Timor and Cambodia) help define the man and his heroism and help the audience invest in his character?

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