Pulls off an amazing trick of being ultra-violent and humorous, without the violence seeming gratuitous or trivialized. Even with a lot of levity and humor, you seriously feel for the people trapped in this world. There is a spirit of life even surrounded by what would be portrayed as hopeless in any other culture. In other words, it realistically captures that dichotomy that so many before have noted in Brazilian culture.

It's a visual treat, with some nice editing tricks that never become overbearing or excessive.

Ultimately, it loses a little steam in then climax, with too many resolutions in succession. There's no chance to appreciate the end of each story.

Still, for a gangsta story, it relies on suprisingly few clichés, turning in unexpected directions at almost every step of the way.

Definitely a worthy entry in the best foreign film category.

RED
Ora et labora