Carandiru

This film comes close to being an excellent piece of film making. Starting with a compelling plot and an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Wagner Moura, Lázaro Ramos, Gero Camilo, and Milton Gonçalves, Hector Babenco had all of the ingredients for success. Indeed, he pulls off quite a feat--he creates a textured view of life in a dreadful prison and the prisoners who wound up there. Few of the characters are particularly sympathetic, yet the viewer cares and is upset by the system that led to the situation in Brazilian penitentiaries, particularly the events at Carandiru.

The film does suffer from a certain look common in Globo novelas that is created by lighting, aesthetics, editing, and acting styles. This effect is not because the film is low budget--this is one of the most expensive Brazilian films ever made. Rather, it shows the effects that Globo has had on general taste and the styles and mannerisms of its stable of actors. This is fine for television--in my opinion, Globo has produced some of the most interesting and well-made soap operas in the world. That said, it grates in film. If you have any doubts, watch the trainwreck better known as Olga