Found it too reminiscent of William Golding’s LOTF (that i couldn’t find the courage to read to the horrific finish), too full of darkness, of the grit and despair that clogs up the hearts and lives of those already trapped in poverty. :(

Turf wars aren’t a shocking notion, but so much senseless violence, unnecessary bloodshed, and perhaps worse of all, the unfathomably chilling laughter of the young ’uns who take up the mantle of ’hoodsters.. their sheer schadenfreude that sickens, is truly, downright sad.

Fantastic movie! Very gripping and a sad drama, with its many twists in the plot.

I know a lot of people have found it violent and I was warned about it before I watched the movie, but it makes the movie quite realistic without glorifying or excusing violence.

All the actors have given a very credible performance, and I was quite surprised to learn that most of them non-professionals after I looked up the movie in google.

I highly recommend this movie, but don’t watch it you are squeamish about a whole lot of blood-spilling and gun firing!

The film itself was far to graphic for my comfort level. Yes, it’s realistic, and I think it’s important for the world to understand the situation in Rio, but there was just to much non stop shooting and violence for me to be able to recommend the movie to any of my friends.

However, the DVD includes an hour long documentary, which was very worthwhile. It was amazing how they were able to get interviews with both the police and the dealers. I would recommend renting the movie, and just watching the documentary part.

One of my favorite movies ever.

Yes it’s really violent but my Brazilian friends said, ‘hey, that’s what it is like’. Violence is a part of life there. If you read “A Death in Brazil”, he says that while some of the actors have got a break from the movie, most haven’t been able to escape from their old life which is quite sad. Also good to watch is “City of Men”, a spin-off tv series. Still violent but with lighthearted moments as well.

Way too violent for my taste but movie had a good storyline.

i’ve wanted to see this picture for awhile. i like the director’s method with real street kids.

Because I didn’t want to see it in the first place. I’m getting really tired of things be added to my list when I don’t want them there!

Killing, killing, and more killing. I don’t need this.