Fabuloso!

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2004)

This is a brilliant story of 2 friends. The movie follows Buscape and Ze (played by Alexandre Rodrigues and Leandro Firmino), two youths that live in a favela outside of Rio de Janeiro. Although both boys grow up in the same place and under pretty much the same circumstances, Buscape become a photographer while Ze becomes the local drug lord, pretty much running the city. The story follows both boys through their lives from early 60's and into the 70's.
This movie is impressive on a number of different levels. It's not only a great story of people but it's also a brilliant gangster flick incorporating everything including guns, drugs and gang war. This film works for a number of reason but, primarily, it works because it makes you feel for the characters.
This outstanding story line is paired with a smart, witty script, great acting and some dazzling directing work. The package as a whole is brilliant.
9/10 Well worth watching