Review of Bus 174 (2002) by Brunno M — 12 Dec 2009
Oustanding, brilliant documentary about the hijacking of a Bus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, its preceding events, and aftermath. Jose Padilha, the director, cuts through the story with the skills of a criminologist and sociologist, making an engrossing suspense picture out of disturbing live footage.
He examines the past of the hijacker, a young street kid named Sandro, and explores the state of violence, internment, and law enforcement in present day Rio, breaking down what could cause an otherwise non-violent child from the slums to resort to such desperate measures.
As we learn more about Sandro, the footage on the bus-which Padilha periodically cross-cuts to-takes on added meaning. What we are left with is a troubling look at a culture predicated on violence, which offers little opportunity for the poor and disenfranchised.
This review of Bus 174 (2002) was written by Brunno M on 12 Dec 2009.
Bus 174 has generally received very positive reviews.
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