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Year: 2018
Runtime: 90 min
Language: English
Directors: Joe Syracuse, Lisa Addario
A quirky teen's letter to a fashion-forward foreign dictator sparks an unexpected friendship, as outcast Tatiana discovers a surprising kindred spirit in Hector. When chaos erupts and Hector flees his country, their unlikely bond is put to the test in a hilarious and heartwarming tale of finding common ground across cultures.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Dear Dictator yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
In a remarkable twist of fate, 16-year-old American teen Tatiana Mills finds herself caught up in the chaotic world of the infamous Caribbean dictator Anton Vincent. This unexpected connection sparks when Tatiana participates in a school assignment, unintentionally becoming pen pals with Anton through letters facilitated by her Social Studies teacher, Mr. Spines. As their correspondence deepens, Tatiana’s life takes a dramatic turn, becoming intertwined with the troubled dictator, who is facing a violent uprising against his regime.
When Anton unexpectedly arrives in Tatiana’s suburban neighborhood seeking refuge from the turmoil of his homeland, he turns her garage into a covert sanctuary. Here, he forms a parental bond with Tatiana and her mother, Darlene, who is navigating her own complicated romantic entanglement with Dr. Charles, a dentist known for his unusual quirks.
As Anton adjusts to his new surroundings, he begins to focus on enhancing Tatiana’s high school experiences by assuming the role of her mentor. He shares valuable life lessons gleaned from his turbulent rise to power, equipping her with the necessary skills to combat the bullying she faces from the popular girls at school. With a strategic approach, Anton teaches Tatiana how to assert her influence and gather support among her peers. However, his methods soon lead to conflict between him and Tatiana, as well as increased scrutiny from security services suspicious of Anton’s covert communications with his loyalists.
As the authorities conduct a thorough investigation, interviewing Tatiana and Darlene while searching their home, they remain blissfully unaware that Anton is hiding right under their noses. Although they find no incriminating evidence and subsequently release Tatiana and Darlene, the truth eventually surfaces when Tatiana reveals Anton’s true identity to the police. Faced with this shocking revelation, Anton finds himself arrested, his once formidable power reduced to a mere echo of what it used to be.
Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:26
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