“Elite Squad 2007” is a Brazilian crime film about two police officers fighting to clean up the corrupt streets of Rio de Janeiro. With the city being a war-torn battleground of drugs and violence, the two officers must navigate through treacherous waters to make their mark on the city’s underworld. The film is filled with intense action scenes, fast-paced dialogue, and powerful performances from the cast. Overall, “Elite Squad 2007” is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
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Review
It is in the midst of turmoil that a society reveals its true nature. This axiom is best embodied by the riveting Brazilian film “Elite Squad.” A cinematic masterpiece that delves deep into the murky world of Rio de Janeiro’s organized crime and its deleterious effects on society, “Elite Squad” is indeed a movie that has etched itself into the annals of cinematic history.
Set in the early 2000s, during a time when Rio de Janeiro was reeling under rampant gang violence and police brutality, “Elite Squad” chronicles the journey of Captain Nascimento (Wagner Moura), an elite police officer who heads BOPE, Brazil’s Special Operations Battalion. Nascimento is tasked with quelling the violence within the favelas or slums of Rio and putting an end to drug trafficking. Despite his successes on this front, he finds himself disillusioned with his work and consumed by guilt for his role in perpetuating a cycle of violence that engulfs Rio.
As events unfold, Nascimento begins to train two new recruits, Neto (Caio Junqueira) and Matias (AndrĂ© Ramiro), both of whom are diametrically opposed in their approach to policing. Neto is initially portrayed as a hot-headed officer who believes in “a good thug being a dead thug,” while Matias is shown as an idealistic rookie who seeks to change the system from within.
The plot thickens when Nascimento realizes that there is an intricate web of corruption within BOPE itself. Moreover, he discovers that there are connections between drug dealers and corrupt officials at all levels of Brazilian society. These revelations force Nascimento to reassess his beliefs about policing, morality and justice.
The film’s cinematography deserves special mention for its grittiness and realism. The narrow lanes and labyrinthine alleys of Rio’s favelas are captured with visceral intensity, drawing the viewer into the midst of the action. The camera movement is fluid and immersive, lending a sense of urgency to the film’s many action sequences.
“Elite Squad” is undoubtedly a masterpiece of Brazilian cinema, which is reflected in its universal acclaim and numerous awards. It won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2008, as well as eight awards at Brazil’s prestigious Grande PrĂȘmio do Cinema Brasileiro. The movie’s success led to a sequel, “Elite Squad: The Enemy Within,” which was equally well received.
Despite its popularity, “Elite Squad” has not been without controversy. Some have criticized its portrayal of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas as being overly violent and sensationalistic. Others have accused it of glorifying police brutality and perpetuating negative stereotypes about Brazil’s underprivileged communities. These criticisms are not entirely unfounded but must also be viewed in the context of Brazilian society’s complex realities.
In conclusion, “Elite Squad” is a remarkable film that provides an unflinching portrayal of Rio de Janeiro’s struggles with organized crime and violence. It deftly balances hard-hitting action with nuanced characterization and socio-political commentary. At its core, it questions the efficacy of traditional policing methods and highlights the need for systemic change in Brazilian society. As such, it remains relevant even today and continues to inspire discussions about justice, morality, and social responsibility.
Technical Data
- Release : 2007-10-12
- Runtime : 115
- Genre : Drama, Action, Crime
- Cast : Wagner Moura as Capitão Nascimento, Caio Junqueira as Neto, André Ramiro as André Matias, Milhem Cortaz as Capitao Fabio, Fernanda Machado as Maria
- Crew : Bråulio Mantovani as Screenplay, Daniel Rezende as Editor, Tulé Peak as Production Design, José Padilha as Screenplay, José Padilha as Director
- Revenue : $14,759,148
- Budget : $4,000,000
- Company : Universal Pictures do Brasil, The Weinstein Company, Zazen ProduçÔes
- Popularity : 27.156
- Summary : In 1997, before the visit of the pope to Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento from BOPE (Special Police Operations Battalion) is assigned to eliminate the risks of the drug dealers in a dangerous slum nearby where the pope intends to be lodged.
- Tagline : On the streets of Rio only the elite survive
