Elite Squad (2007)

Elite Squad (2007) is a raw, adrenaline-fueled crime drama set in 1997 Rio de Janeiro, where Captain Nascimento of BOPE (the Special Police Operations Battalion) must secure a notorious favela ahead of the Pope’s visit while also finding a successor—he wants out of frontline command to be with his growing family. The story follows two idealistic friends, Neto and Matias, who join the Military Police hoping to fight crime but instead confront rampant corruption and incompetence; after a violent incident they volunteer for BOPE and endure brutal training and street operations that test their morals and limits. As Nascimento searches for the man who can replace him, loyalty, ambition and the cost of violence collide, forcing each character to confront what “doing the right thing” really means in a city where law and crime blur. Watching the film you’ll experience relentless, tightly choreographed action sequences, gritty realism, and intense emotional stakes—often violent and uncompromising—balanced by sharp social commentary about policing, power and poverty. Expect a tense, immersive ride with moral ambiguity, strong performances, and a feeling that the line between heroism and brutality is constantly shifting. Noted for its visceral atmosphere and stark portrayal of favela life, it’s powerful but not light viewing.

Actors: Wagner Moura, André Ramiro, Caio Junqueira

Director: José Padilha

Runtime: 115 min

Genres: Action, Crime, Drama

7.5 /10 33 /100 8.0 /10 6.3 /10