Brazzil

This is doubtful due to the complete absence of any discussion surrounding the military dictatorship in relation to any current issue in Brazil. It is more likely that this is clear evidence that there is a lack of understanding of the historical and current significance of the dictatorship.

The FOCUS of the film is on the urban violence in Rio and how difficult it is to combat it and I think that Padilha did a good job. I see no reason why he should have brought in the subject of "Brutal Dictatorship" into the theme of the film, unless the writer of this article wanted to hold the Military government responsible for the pathetic conditions of the favelas or to put the blame for not having eliminated the favelados during their rule. Lets remember that the "Brutal Dictatorship" gave up its power almost 23 long years ago. WTF, were the Cariocas doing all through these years to better the lives of the favelados and reduce the violence? Waiting for a miracle?

I observed that the writer of this article is an ignorant foreigner and SHE doesn't know anything about the recent history. A leftist loony, as usual. Would be better off if she sets up a column similar to that of Anne Landers for the victims of the "Brutal Dictatorship". Of course, she has to write the column in Portuguese. AND don't expect me to read her crap.

"Lets remember that the "Brutal Dictatorship" gave up its power almost 23 long years ago. WTF, were the Cariocas doing all through these years to better the lives of the favelados and reduce the violence?"

How true! It is almost like those politicos on the right and the left are still shaking in their Gucci shoes not to offend the military. As I have stated in other forums, the military solution is only the result of the cowardice, corruption, and greed. 23 years is not a lot of time, but the people do not have a lot of time. Many forces, internal and external, would like to see more chaos and a return to military rule so everyone tip-toes around the issue like a sick grandmother. Look at the issues which brought the military to power and confront them truthfully. It is almost like South Africa where Brazil needs a "Truth and Reconciliation" commission to heal the nation. Let the phony aristocracy apologize for their rape of the country. Let the businesses apologize for their greed. Let the politicos apologize for their corruption. Let the drug lords apologize for corrupting a generation of children. Last, but not least, let the Church apologize for allowing all of these people to sit before the alters of God and pretend to be followers of Christ Almighty. None are innocent; only the children, and who weeps for them?
I have seen the previous movies; Bus 174 and City of God. I salute director José Padilha for his courage in producing another film which inspires the discussion that people would like to turn away from. For exposing the cowardice of the adults before the eyes of every Brazilian child. It is the children who will remember. Why do you think the mentally sick American children slaughter their teachers and classmates? They do this in protest of the lies and corruption of their parents and the society.

"Oh, how the truth shines light where there was darkness, and my most sincere congratulations to the truth-teller."

How true! It is almost like those politicos on the right and the left are still shaking in their Gucci shoes not to offend the military.

Right again Llyod. At least the military bought their shoes from local manufacturers and not the brand name ones. You seem to be more sarcastic than I am!!

I have seen the previous movies; Bus 174 and City of God. I salute director José Padilha for his courage in producing another film which inspires the discussion that people would like to turn away from. For exposing the cowardice of the adults before the eyes of every Brazilian child.

I also salute Padilha. I still wonder why Ms.Shane has to bring up the topic of "Brutal Dictatorship", while writing about this film.I guess she is another sensational and shallow journalist without any notion of history. Never mind her.

Bash the military, as if they were responsible for the chaos that started occurring after the end of the militaty regime.

Bash the military, as if they were responsible for the chaos that started occurring after the end of the militaty regime.

Thanks for supporting my view.BTW, this is an interesting thread.

Doubtful that Gucci shoes last very long in any army !!!!!!!
and just think about it : non lasting military shoes costing 2 Brazilian monthly minimum wages.
Brazil would have to use some of its foreign currency reserves to pay for them !.

I have not seen most of these movies that you guys are talking about - I just saw City of God.

But I have a comment regarding this subject - nothing to do with the military dictatorship that we had in Brazil for 20 years - I remember the esquadrao da morte when they were operating in Sao Paulo in the 1960's as far as I can remember they did a good job I don't remember seeing anybody complaining about what they were doing during that time. But I remember the headlines in the newspapers almost on a daily basis about what they were doing.

Most people that I know it seem to me it did approve what the esquadrao da morte were doing.

.

But I have a comment regarding this subject - nothing to do with the military dictatorship that we had in Brazil for 20 years

Sorry Ricardo, a correction. It is the Military Government, though Shelly would love to call me "Golpista"!

BTW, I have already replied to you about AMAN in the thread you asked me the question on it.

Doubtful that Gucci shoes last very long in any army !!!!!!!
and just think about it : non lasting military shoes costing 2 Brazilian monthly minimum wages.

I didn't know that you are an expert in shoes too

I was merely sarcastic and trying to be funny when I said that the Military did not import Gucci boots manufactured in PRC!!

I live in Rio and love the city and have learned to avoid certain parts of town - especially at night.
I've seen the movie and acknowledge the violence employed by BOPE. I think the underlying problem is that
the concept of "community policing" doesn't exist. How many of the favelas have Police Stations within them.
I live in Zona Sul and I'm pretty sure that you won't find policemen and police stations within the favelas (as a
permanent full time presence).
Within Rocinha, a community estimated at somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 how many police stations
are located within the favela? How many foot patrols are active at any given time? Unfortunately, I believe
that I know the answer.
Cantagalo (apparently the home of the Italian tourist assailant) is within Ipanema. At the bottom of the hill is a run
down trailer used by the police as a Police Station. But are there police on foot patroling the neighborhood?
I image the answer is No.
So the Cantagalo festers with crime and then there's an "Operation" by BOPE only when something really egregious happens.
Wouldn't it be better to improve police presence (and honesty!) in the first place and not have to rely on BOPE to invade?

But are there police on foot patroling the neighborhood?
I image the answer is No.
So the Cantagalo festers with crime and then there's an "Operation" by BOPE only when something really egregious happens.
Wouldn't it be better to improve police presence (and honesty!) in the first place and not have to rely on BOPE to invade?

In the city I live, there used to be (and is still to certain extent) foot patrol, bicycle patrol, etc; by armed police (PM). But what I see is that the Brasilians in general seem to have become paranoiac about anyone in uniform, thanks to the politicians who love to bash the Military. I get a big laugh, when I talk to people who consider the uniformed personnel as "Bicho Papão". Even the uniformed janitors in shopping malls are feared by these idiots.I wonder what these people have to hide.

I sincerely hope that the domestic tourists don't come to our state this summer and thus avoid the "Police Brutality" of being charged for speeding,unruly and indecent behavior at public places,tail gating me when I am driving, etc; Instead they all can go to Rio which of course is a "cidade maravilhosa" and has one of the 7 new wonders of the world.

Better still, they have an option to go to Salvador,Fortaleza, Aracaju, etc; too

Now Copacabana has 3 mil favelados, 3 mil policias, 1 mil turistas during the day. Seems even some of the locals believe the state sponsored hype that the tourism volume is increasing despite the problems. Anyway, hope next month is better - lots of folks dependant on this. In the evening in the "safe" places, you should beware folks in suits wearing fancy neckbands holding plastic cards who look like tour guides / tour assisants. Good chance they are either golpistas or undercover policia federal turning tricks. Love the camera coverage though. Tough for folks to pick them out but the bandidos will eventually catch on to them. Best advice - Only go with people you know. Lots of folks starting to complain that the prices are become outrageous.

If anyone of you who knows the truth about this prison cell case in São Paulo's notorious jail, please post your article.

Obrigado

Yes, dear you do know me quite well, I would call you golpista!

However, the question remains> What is the best solution to end, or at least, curtail violence in Rio? Though question, I am a true Carioca, I LOVE my city. I have learned to stay away from some parts of Ipanema and Copa. Barra is far better than both places, clean and "safe". I went last year at 2:00 to have pizza, Rodizio de Pizza na Barra, and everybody was out. Joao, don't get me wrong, I think the military needs to do something, now! I am against violence, period. I think what Lula is missing a point, yes the favelas do need sanitation, but also good, well equipped schools. Children need to feel they are learning in a good environment, nothing fancy, just a little more geared towards education. These kids are growing up seen violence, rape, deaths, all sorts of horrid stories. They will grow and what do you think it will happen. My family thinks that the "bandido" nowadays are a lot more brash and less compassionate. It will only get worse.

We need to raise the salaries of the police, teachers and health care workers. I can tell you the ELITE does not give a rats ass about the poor. For them, they are cheap labor to be exploited, then latter on they complain about the violence. Pay your cleaners a decent wage, your "porteiros", give people incentives and society will benefit. You cannot have peace and tranquility when you have a city encroached with people suffering around you. There are many good families living in the favelas, they don't have a place to go, no opportunities, it is difficult for them to live around the violence and worry about the safety of their children.

What about projects like those in New York? Do you think it would work in Rio. Obviously, it would be subsidized by the government.Lula has said that it cannot be done, but I am wondering if it is true.

Shelly, It has been quite some time since I have been to Rio and I do not know how it is to live there right now. The information we get is through the media and the situation seems to be alarming. However, it does in a way reflect the reality of many other cities in Brasil, especially the ones located on the coast. When you talk about the ELITE, I remember the famous quote of a spokesman of the State Department (U.S) in the 80's who said "The elite of Latin America feels safe surrounded by poor". It did draw lots of criticisms from the Brasilian TV commentators one of whom is still working and who was called by Lula as his "Economic Guru", though this guy is not even an Economist. That gentleman from the State Department whose name I forget would have never ever imagined that the elite is now being threatened by the poor!

Joao, don't get me wrong, I think the military needs to do something, now! I am against violence, period. I think what Lula is missing a point, yes the favelas do need sanitation, but also good, well equipped schools.

I don't think that the old boys in their long johns would be interested in bailing out the elite once again. However, the best Lula can do is to invite them to form a think tank and ask them to come out with suggestions as how a) To better education at all levels b) Create jobs with decent wages for people.

I agree with you that violence is not the solution for all the problems of Brasil, but when it is being practiced by the criminals, unarmed citizens depend on the Armed cops to combat it and protect them. Then come the Human Rights groups, OAB,etc; to question the decision of a young Lt of P.M to shoot back. It does not make any sense.

It is interesting that Ricardo Amaral and I have been exchanging pleasant tit bits about AMAN,IME,ITA,etc; in another thread. He, like you have good points. I gave him the website address of a Federal Deputy from your state and in case you are interested I am posting again.Who knows, your family in Rio might be able to contribute something to his efforts. Here is the link:

http://www.bolsonaro.com.br

What about projects like those in New York? Do you think it would work in Rio. Obviously, it would be subsidized by the government.Lula has said that it cannot be done, but I am wondering if it is true.

Dear, I don't know about the projects in NYC and hence prefer not to comment. However, if Lula says it cannot be done, I would say that IT CAN BE DONE.

Hi,
I live in Rio, and saw the film 4 weeks ago. The overwhelming thing that I felt the film did was draw the very strong connection & dependence between consumption (young, middle class Rio), the drug barons, the police and the politicians.
I am not against drugs, I think they cant be effectively eliminated, people have and always will indulge in recreational drug use. And this has a consequence that goes far beyond the health of the consumer.

And this is what the film did so well, to show how the money from drugs goes to the drug baron, and then used to corrupt the police and politicians. And this is what poisions society here. We are not talking about small sums here; the revenue the drug barons have is larger than the budget the police have for eliminating drug trafficing.

The overwhelming thing that I felt the film did was draw the very strong connection & dependence between consumption (young, middle class Rio), the drug barons, the police and the politicians.

Since you live in Rio, you have more perceptions on this issue. I get an impression from the news I read that the problem of violence will not be solved so soon there in Rio (or for that matter in any large cities in Brazil), since drug distribution is a cash cow for all the people involved.

I think one of the solutions for Rio could be gentrification.
I live in the San Francisco Bay area, and I know city officials and some other groups are doing it on the SF Mission District which has a lot of crime. I heard from people involved on this "Project" that it is already producing some good results.
Here is an article I read on the British Newspaper The Guardian about an Englishman trying to do the same thing in one of the Rio's "favela".
I really hope more people with good intent can follow him.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/nov/24/guardiansaturdayreview.riodejaneiro?page=2

http://www.guardian.co.uk/trav...iro?page=2

Ok now it worked.

Just as the film, this is a most interesting thread. It has the feel of many truths from different perspectives.

A. Brazilian - This is not to bash the "professional military" because, in truth, they did what they had to do to save Brazil from itself, and when things get that bad again, frankly I hope they will do so again. The fact remains that they did it, and Brazil survives. The problem is that their performance was anything but professional. It was brutal and tyrannical, period! Let's hope that conditions will not warrant another such performance. Unfortunately, given the behavior of the civilian leadership, the local security forces, and the narco-traffickers there is so little hope for a different outcome.

Brazil is poised and positioned to lead South America in growth and global influence. This is undeniable, and a primary indicator is the number of Brazilians returning home from the US. They are bringing investments and ideas of a better day for Brazil. Many are skilled professionals, trained in various aspects of economics and social sciences. For the most part, they are not part of the corrupt classes of oligarchs and neo-socialists. Many are a new generation, having lived many years in other less repressive societies. From these repatriated citizens will come the best hope for Brazil. That is the Truth.

The politicians, the security forces, and the narco-traffickers will agree to some form of understanding. Many Brazilians may not like such an arrangement, but there can be no other solution. Business demands and economic forces dictate such an outcome. Too much money, both Brazilian and foreign, is at risk. The politicians will take their payoff from the business community for such a deal. The politicians will give the security forces better salary, training, and equipment as an incentive for signing on to a truce, and the traffickers will be allowed to operate in certain 'zones' without the fear of security raids. The flow of money from business to politicians, the increased money from politicians and traffickers payoffs for the police, and the traffickers operate freely in their zones. The corruption of the entire process is undeniable. A quasi-legitimacy of corrupt practices. It works in many areas of the world, i.e. the Red-Light districts of many major western cities, the Japanese Yakuza, etc. Las Vegas is a city built by American gangsters, supported by politicians, and policed by a very professional police force. That is the Truce.

It's about BUSINESS. It's about MONEY. And it's about COMMON SENSE. The alternative is chaos, with everyone looking down the barrel of a gun. As I have stated in other threads; there are many foreign 'private' security squads training for the Brazilian and Latin American markets. Perhaps they can save you from the generals. That is your Choice.

o filme tropa de elite é o maior barata

http://br.youtube.com/watch?v=...re=related

A GENTE SOMO DO TERCERO MUNDO.
A GENTE SOMO POBRI I IGUINORANTI.
DEUS, PROTEJA A GENTE PURFAVO

A gente somo do premeiro mundo - espirito e coracao
A gente somo rico e inteligente - sentimento e compdecimento aos estranho
Vai a sua igreja ao montanha de cima ao lado cachoeira e fala um passo - Deus escuta tudo

Just for Brazzil info, this film has won an outstanding award in the recent Malaysian International Film Festival. Congratulations to all the crew members.

ea ibianca co que faz pra eu evcbeija

tropa de elite seu filme e muito violento.

The issues raised in the movie "Tropa de Elite"/ or "Elite Squad", support the facts that both the Brazilian police as well as the drug traffickers in the city themselves are corrupt and in need of a provocative attention and change. The Rocinha favela makes money by educating tourists like myself about their lives and community. The poverty witnessed in local favelas in the Rio de Janeiro city itself are enough to catch ones attention. Upon witnessing this such society in Rio, I also observed a sincerity among the community and a loyal appreciation for our interest. The people I met in this favela were hard working, friendly, and happy. The money for this tour was fed back into the community (the Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro) the fund a school/ hospital for children in the neighborhood. The artwork, the laughter, the caged birds, dogs, percussion bands, food shops, patisseries, and entire community... sounds enough like a place you might like to see, but most do not. My personal experience changed my life and I will forever be interested in the progress and status of these societies.