Elite Squad

If the entire film was only about the training of the new members of the “elite squad”, the only thing that would bother me would be the ideological aftertaste left by almost every scene. But Elite Squad has many more things that bothered me: there isn’t a lot of action, and when there is some, it’s not very clear, half the scenes are pointless, the subplots are uninteresting, the script goes nowhere and there are many ugly male characters that (other than the main trio) I could never tell apart. To tell you the truth, after half an hour I was already looking forward to the end (and I kept on looking forward until the end). (2011-04-21)

Rio de Janeiro is full of pissed off drug dealers and gangs, and they must be taken off the streets before the Pope comes to visit. The elite BOPA unit will be happy to do the job. A very impressive and well shot action drama about how life in Brazil is far from idyllic. But this audiovisual and atmospheric banger has a problem with perhaps too radical ideas in the script. (2008-07-09)

The Brazilians unexpectedly delivered a fantastic film that left me with strong emotions. It's quite important to watch films from other countries from time to time, as viewers can learn something new. The same goes for me. The film presented a very believable portrayal of everyday life in the poorest areas of Rio (the favelas), showcasing what law enforcement has to deal with and the completely different way of life for the local residents. I’m so glad I don’t live in Brazil because I wouldn’t want to encounter a kid with an automatic rifle on every corner, who could easily shoot me in the head without hesitation. I don’t envy the local police at all, as they face two problems, and I don’t even know which is worse. They deal with various gangsters and their associates, who don’t have much love for men in blue uniforms, or even the corrupt part of the police, those who should be fighting against it. The cast was extremely likable, and Wagner Moura was outstanding. Throughout its runtime, the film breathed an atmosphere that captivated me. The action moments in the chaotic, semi-collapsed buildings were perfectly shot. I can't wait to see the sequel. The first one gets 88% from me. (2017-03-04)

Elite Squad wants to shock and awe, but it lacks the better expressive devices, emotion and directorial virtuosity of the makers of City of God – which it so closely resembles at first glance with its volatile cinematography, raw tone and choppy editing. Unfortunately, the story is about nothing and the characters don't win you over one bit, after an hour you're actually just waiting for everyone to get shot in a shouted and eclectic jumble to keep the peace. (2022-03-02)

Rio de Janeiro isn’t just a sunny city with Jesus standing on a hill. The slums are overflowing with drugs (and trash), and cops’ pockets with money. Because the men from BOPE are here, doing what is necessary, using whatever means necessary. The direction is marvelous, visually inventive and the screenplay develops on several ideas with huge social implications at once. Whether suffocation by plastic bag or fighting against the system (while still keeping your job), it always hits a nerve. So where would you like to go on holiday? To Rio? (2013-05-29)