What in God's name...?

Rating: 10/10 (5 August 2004)

Sometimes people make mistakes. My mistake was giving this movie an 8. The frenetic pace, and chaotic style of film-making was somewhat distracting. Also, with a Portugese dialog, and English subtitles, I wondered if anything was "lost in translation."
After a second viewing, a revote was necessary. Now the movie was rated a 9. Why? Because the director's style made it difficult to ascertain that, indeed, there was excellent acting on the part of all of the film's main characters. That was because continuous use of hand-held cameras, short vignette segments, and fast-paced editing obscured the fine portrayals by the young actors.
After a third viewing, a revote was necessary. Now the movie was rated a 10. Why? Because the film's message is important, and vividly told. The stark images from the slums of Rio contrast violently with the tourist image of "Rio Carnivale." The film, following the short lifespans of three generations of young gangsters, illuminates how and why children are drawn into gang life. A chilling ending to the film leaves the audience wondering if the cycle can ever be broken.