Ariel Dorfman's play "Death and the Maiden" and the subsequent movie (starring my fav Sigourney Weaver) is an excellent personal look at how torture affects the citizens it is performed on in the long term and how it effects their feelings of justice and country. I think you'll also find that you are unable to pick a side between the two protagonists, you'll be too scared. I think many here feel the same way about this issue. I'd highly recommend a viewing or a reading.
I know it has inspired my outrage at my government's actions and the discouragement I feel every time I think about how my country is doing this. Bush administration=South American military junta, in my book, everytime I think about it.
“What the country needs is justice, but if we can determine at least part of the truth…” – Gerardo (Pg 15).
In the end the play and the movie are ultimately about how we deal with the horrors of our past. Can we forgive what is unforgiveable? A good question, and ultimately, one our whole country will have to ask of itself.
