Tough to Watch But Well Worth It

Rating: 10/10 (19 July 2004)

Several times now I have gotten into discussions with people regarding this film. The most common criticism that I hear is "how could you watch children killing children." I have to say that it is a fair criticism of the subject matter of the film but not of the film it self. This film is based on actual events that took place in the seventies in the slums of Rio. The film is brilliant at catching the desperation of some of the poorest people in the world. For many people in the US this kind of poverty coupled with violence is unimaginable and the shock can be quite powerfull. I applaud the filmmakers for artfully completing such a difficult task. The cinematography is magnificent. Alexandre Rodrigues beautifully does his part at portraying the difficulties that all teenagers face growing up (sex, carrer, frienship etc...) but with the extra challenge of having to deal with growing up with one of the most dangerous neiborhoods in the world. Over all a very good film.