Soul-crushing. They all deserved so much better. I just wanted several scenes to end. Too painful. Too real. This film deserves its status. It's structurally tight, visually brutal, and infuriating.

00 Faves / Growing Pains Challenge task: about politics/with political undertones

I first saw this in Rio, with a bunch of Brazilians who have never experienced the slums. They all hated how the film's success gave Brazil a distorted image. I understand that and I know there are many people who feel that way about whatever film became synonymous with their country. I've read a few reviews on this site that say something along the lines of "this is why i will never go to _____." I've traveled all over and all I can say is, it's not just in Brazil that I've had a gun pointed at my head. Showing truth is always important, but working towards knowing the whole truth is more important.