damn, this film was intense. actually, it was more the bonus documentary on the dvd that was intense. it wasn't that i didn't know about these problems, it's more that it's overwhelming to try to solve these sort of problems. where to begin, what will work in the long run, etc.

the film itself i think did a good job of encapsulating the slum situation of brazil and other latin american countries for that matter. it simplified how it started a few generations ago and how it progressively became about harder drugs and hence harder violence. overall, it was a powerful film. i don't think it sends a negative message that is anti-brazil or anti-latin america. the film is just presenting a facet. i still want to visit brazil and other 'at risk' places.