Tropa de Elite (2007)

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Tropa de Elite (2007)

Director
: José Padilha
Writers:José Padilha, John Kaylin
Stars: Wagner Moura, André Ramiro, Caio Junqueira


This Brazilian masterpiece, based on the book Elite da Tropa from several Brazilian authors, presents us a Brazilian social system and the special police of the federal state of Rio de Janeiro through the eyes of the main character and narrator, Captain Nascimento.
The first part of the film is focused on the presentation of the famous system in which moral boundaries between drug gangs and local police generally don't exist. The police is extremely corrupt, inefficient, and deeply rooted in the criminal system at all levels, particularly in the poorest parts of the country, the favelas. We are introduced to the system through the eyes of two young and honest police officers, Matias and Neto who quickly come into conflict with a corrupt police officers. After that they decide to apply for a special police, BOPE, under the authority of captain Nascimento who is in the process of seeking his replacement because his personal life is suffering. Meanwhile BOPE are on a special mission of cleaning favelas because of arrival of the Pope who insists on residing in their vicinity.
Almost every aspect of this film is flawless. The acting is perfect, while documentary directing fits the story perfectly and looks incredibly realistic. Visual impression deserves admiration because of the relative low budget of only 4 million dollars, which, fortunately, has conditioned shooting on real locations in Rio de Janeiro. Excellent soundtrack is also one thing that needs to be singled out. Rap das Armas stays in your ears for weeks after the movie.
On first viewing it could be difficult to understand complete story, especially because of huge number of characters from what majority is transient, but non of them are unneeded. Second viewing definitely ensures complete pleasure in superb cinematography but also a creeps because of the reality of system from which most of us are perhaps far away, but it is very much real.
Because of the better effect on story, special police is portrayed as completely pure and invincible what is of course far from the truth. However, activities and training of BOPE is accurately shown. Black uniforms, skulls, cruel training, methods of cleaning the favelas and the fear that they inspire are reality that is perfect for the big screen.

9,5/10



Chappie doesn't like the real world
Good movie. I agree with you, the soundtrack was perfect for the movie.

I'm interested to see what Padilha does with Robocop.