the film had mixed reviews, in part because of its fictionalizing brazilian history, and its uneasy portrayal of terrorist activities by student radicals. stephen holden of "the new york times" wrote, ""four days in september" is an uneasy hybrid of political thriller and high-minded meditation on terrorism, its psychology and its consequences." he noted that the film suggests the kidnapping was followed by worse political events, with increased repression, and torture of mr-8 members. he describes cardoso as the most complex character.