From Deseret News archives:
Carandiru
Film review
The film takes place within a penal setting, which makes a bit of a dicey proposition for audiences, especially those outside of its home country of Brazil. Some may automatically dismiss the film because of the subject matter and because the overwhelming majority of characters are drug dealers and other criminals.
But those with open minds may enjoy the movie's intricacies. Though "Carandiru" seems a bit slow, it's actually a "tease" of sorts, leading up to a riveting and pretty horrifying final 45 minutes.
The movie is based at least partly on some true stories told in the book "Carandiru Station," written by a Brazilian physician who treated inmates in Sao Paolo's infamous penal "holding station" (the site of a 1992 massacre).
The criminals imprisoned there are actually awaiting sentencing, though they're still incarcerated. Conditions in Carandiru aren't exactly ideal, as its new volunteer staff doctor (Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos) observes. Still, he does his best to provide the best medical care possible, including performing AIDS blood tests. And he's front and center as tensions between the inmates and administration worsen.
One problem is that the main character remains so much of an enigma. We never really know why he's there or why he's got such a vested interest. That's probably because Babenco was trying to give it more of a dispassionate, documentarylike feel. But he's one character who audiences can and should relate to.
"Carandiru" is rated R for strong scenes of violence (stabbings, shooting, brawling and some sexual violence), frequent use of strong sexual profanity, strong drug content (including use of cocaine), crude sexual talk, as well as use of vulgar slang terms, some graphic gore, simulated sex and sexual contact (both gay and straight), glimpses of nude photos and use of racial epithets. Running time: 145 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos, Milton Goncalves, Ivan de Almeida; in Portuguese, with English subtitles
Find a Movie Theater
- NFL roundup: Tomlinson leads Bolts 11:19 p.m.
- Pakistan's pres. told to give up power 11:10 p.m.
- Honduras votes after coup 11:09 p.m.
- 'Saddam Channel' hits Iraq TV 11:09 p.m.
- Rescue is dilemma for father 11:08 p.m.
- World datelines 11:07 p.m.
- NBA roundup: Garnett nearly perfect 11:06 p.m.
- No. 8 West Virginia wins 76 Classic 11:02 p.m.
- Timberwolves end 15-game skid 11:00 p.m.
- Nets match worst start 10:58 p.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU is champion of the state
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Credit Coug defense for win
- Field goals, penalties doomed Utes
- Cougar defense rose to occasion
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Banged up Jazz get best of Blazers
- Jones' joy for life remembered
- Fantasy is reality for BYU professor
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
860 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
473 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - BYU is champion of the state
136 - Max Hall issues apology
120 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
117 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79
Hate is too strong of a word. Besides Boise State is too good for the MWC as...
wow utah!!! its not like we didn't see this coming.. you guys got beet deal...
While I understand why he said what he said, it's too bad that it gives the...
As a BYU fan, I think the Utes are better than #25. They played the Cougars...
I went to a Dallas Cowboys/Washington Redskins game last week in Dallas, and...
I was on the plane. We were definitely on the runway, ergo, it was a runway...
The apology was perfect. He explained that his rants were really reflected...
or justification?
That is because Kyle Beckerman is amazing.
I second everything you said! I notice that even Aggie fans on this board...





You can be the first to comment on this story.