Review of Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010) by Aidan H — 23 May 2011

Jose Padilha's sequel gets off to an explosive start as Moura's promoted elite cop is ambushed by a monster far worse than the drug dealers he seeks to defeat. Set on the streets and inside Rio's top security prison, ES2 contains twice the gunplay and tension of the first while capitalising on the same strong cast of characters and immersive documentary style.

Paddilha neatly balances several plot strands around the central theme of corruption, creating vivid and believable portrayals of those caught up in the mayhem. A terse script and some energised editing combine to propel the story at a blistering pace, nowhere more so than during the frantic gun battle between the drug dealers and corrupt militia.

Not many films these days surpass the achievements of their predecessors. Elite Squad 2 is a notable exception to the rule. Excellent.