Night of the Pencils
Night of the Pencils

Night of the Pencils

1986Movie105 minSpanish

The Night of the Pencils was a series of kidnappings and forced disappearances, followed by the torture, rape, and murder of a number of young students during the last Argentine dictatorship (known as the National Reorganization Process). The kidnappings took place over the course of several days beginning on September 16, 1976.

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IMDb7.4/10
Director: Héctor OliveraGenres: Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

Based on a true story, 'Night of the Pencils' depicts the harrowing events of September 16, 1976, in La Plata, Argentina. A group of high school students are kidnapped and tortured by the military dictatorship for protesting against fare hikes for public transportation. The film focuses on their bravery and the tragic consequences of their activism under a brutal regime.

Critical Reception

The film is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of a dark period in Argentine history, lauded for its historical accuracy and emotional impact. It serves as a significant reminder of the sacrifices made by young people during the last military dictatorship in Argentina.

What Reviewers Say

  • A courageous and essential film that exposes the brutality of the dictatorship.
  • Starkly depicts the student activism and the severe repression they faced.
  • An emotionally resonant and historically important piece of cinema.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available, audience reviews for 'Night of the Pencils' generally praise its historical significance and its moving depiction of student resistance.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the true events of the 'Noche de los Lápices' (Night of the Pencils), a series of abductions and disappearances of high school students in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, in 1976.

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