The dark side of the magnificent Brazilian soul

Rating: Null/10 (11 March 2003)

I've always been a lover of Brazil and have been fascinated by Brazilian music & culture for years, although I've never been there (yet). This movie is deeply Brazilian, and -strange as it may seem- it made me love Brazil even more. From the first to the last minute, you really can't take your eyes of the screen. It's a shocking movie, true, but it is also refreshing and unique. The directors have simply done the best work I've EVER seen! It's that simple. The actors are unbelievable when you think that most of them have never acted before. But the true power of the movie is the diffusive, captivating, romantic -and at the same time cruel- Brazilian soul. This is the kind of movie that after the first couple of minutes makes any noisy spectators shut up and watch with open mouths till the end titles and beyond. Those who have watched the legendary "Orfeu Negro" can't help but compare the happy, shiny faces of the children in "Orfeu Negro" with the scared and frightening faces of the children in this movie. The beautiful and the ugly face of the favela... I really can't say much more except that this movie is not entertainment but experience...