A masterpiece of despair and corruption, never losing sight of humanity. Amid the squalor of a São Paulo youth detention center we find Pixote, a child of about 12 who becomes the center of this often brutal and horrific film. Through the boy's eyes we see the rotting corruption of police and city authorities who spout good intentions, but never follow up. Murder is almost an everyday occurance, and it's often deemed necessary in this world. Pixote and three friends escape and eventually end up in Rio, where things are no better. They know their lives are seen as worthless, so they take what they can through robbery and drug dealing. Living in the home of Sueli--a monstrous prostitute--the boys all meet a turning point in one way or another and Pixote has learned, far too soon for his age, the hardest lessons of life. Brilliantly directed and acted by a mostly non-professional cast, featuring some very promising talent. PIXOTE can resemble the later CITY OF GOD, another great film on similar themes, but it has unforgettable qualities all its own. Hector Babenco would go on to direct other things, but nothing really can rival the power of PIXOTE. An essential part of world cinema.
