Review of Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010) by Dylan E — 18 Jun 2012

The sequel to Elite Squad not only far surpasses its predecessor but it near enough justifies its existence. Where in the first film we were treated to a somewhat enjoyable film, more action than substance and little effort to morally question the kill first ask questions later attitude it was packed with.

The previous film was narrated by the protagonist Captain Nascimento, he tells of how his brute-force squad are helping to fix the violent problems Rio faces. In this film he narrates again, but this time tells us the story of his discovery how the system works in reality. His simple belief from before is shattered as he begins to understand the depth the corruption runs through the political system.

Although it seems a bit convenient for his family life to be tied in to his battles with the liberal Fraga it doesn't sting too much. The resulting additions to the narrative and the culmination of Nascimento's enlightenment all help to justify this otherwise distracting blip in what is a really solid film.