Review of Bus 174 (2002) by Eduardo C — 06 Feb 2007
This documentary is breathtaking, truly a powerful work, an incendiary cirticism of social neglect that uses the hijacking of a bus as its entry point.
While the film begins with footage of the bus being taken over, it is quickly apparent that the hostage situation, despite its urgency, is merely the backbone. The film procedes to investigate Sandro's (the hostage-taker) life on the streets and it becomes immediately apparent how many institutions have failed and keep failing not just him, but hundreds of thousands of others like him. every day. Sandro's hijacking, while inexcusable (though he did not harm any hostages), was escentially a cry for help, and it is painful that someone would have to go to such drastic lengths in order to get the notice they deserve in their society.
The police's mishandling of the situation is ludicrous, and what happens to Sandro in the end is unnecessary and tragic, all of which is either shown or explained in the film.
Truly one to watch and ponder on.
This review of Bus 174 (2002) was written by Eduardo C on 06 Feb 2007.
Bus 174 has generally received very positive reviews.
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