Pixote (1981)

Fernando Ramos da Silva plays the role of Pixote, a young delinquent who roams the streets of Brazil, and leads a life of crime in order to survive. This role is not so far from da Silva's own life due to living in the poor conditions of Sao Paulo, adding to the verisimilitude of the film, and reduces the distinction between performance and reality. For the majority, Pixote is set within the walls of a youth detention institution, filled with those who are under eighteen and resort to crime in order to survive the streets.

Inside the detention institution, life is difficult for Pixote, as he witnesses much extreme violence and suffers the oppressive environment. But when Pixote and his friends return to the streets after breaking out of the detention institution, they meet Sueli, a flamboyant prostitute who joins the boys to form an unlikely group; In turn the youths devote their lives to crime once more. 

The raw and gritty nature of the film gives it an almost unearthly feel, and although each viewer is likely to feel distanced from the world in which Pixote lives, the way it is presented does not make it any less real.
There are some really memorable scenes in Pixote, some that are difficult to watch, and some so distinct they are hard to forget. The film is essentially genre-less, yet effortlessly manages to touch upon various emotions and consistently engage viewers. 

8.5/10