Review of Elite Squad (2007) by Diego P — 11 Oct 2008

It is NOT a companion to city of god it is NOT related to city of god this is a whole different league this movie goes beyond. not only is it based on a true story it rlly manages to capture the atmosphere and culture of life in rio. it is also NOT limited to the favelas (slums) it goes on to relate and contrast the views and life of the higher and lower classes. very realistic despite the general american opinion which seems to be that it is too violent and neonazist. rio IS at war constantly make no mistake. and the captain nascimento isnt an extremist macho but rather a hero a true enforcer. I think the stories involved are very well told and tied in. the two trainees are a perfect foundation for the comparison of the internal issues and external views of the police force.

Recent reviews say the movie is too fascist too extremist too unrealistic and that it glorifies such behavior... my response: what about dirty harry, the bourne trilogy, the french connection, training day, stret kings, and all the other countless hollywood movies that just happen to be as aggressive or gritty as this one. glorify? the movie gives you every right and every reason to hate the BOPE but you end up having to choose between whats the law and whats not. and youre goddamned right we're proud to know there could even be such a force as the BOPE so yeah he damned well ought to be glorified.