Elite Squad

Elite Squad is a 2007 Brazilian film directed by José Padilha. I first heard about this film when the podcast Mondo Movie reviewed it. And the review got me interested enough that when I saw the DVD for sale at a store in town I picked it up.

Set in 1997 in Rio de Janerio Brazil,this is the story of the BOPE. Which is a special unit of the Brazilian police force. Similar to USA vice squads. The BOPE is set up to deal with all the gang and drug related violence. The main plot is about an upcoming visit from Pope John Paul II. We follow 3 members of the BOPE. The captain ,who is almost ready to retire. And two newcomers to the squad. At times this film reminds me of the TV show The Shield. In that we are following law enforcement officers that are corrupt and almost as bad as the criminals they are trying to catch. A few warnings if you are gonna watch this film. First off it is subtitled. Now I don't mind subtitles ,but I know some people do. And secondly there is a interrogation scene near the end of the film that is very graphic and managed to even shock me. I have heard that sequel to Elite Squad has been released but I don't know if it is out on region 1 DVD yet. Elite Squad is a good film that gets a B.