Watch Carandiru

Carandiru is a Brazilian movie directed by Hector Babenco, based on a true story that occurred in 1992. The movie is set in São Paulo and revolves around the life of different inmates in the notorious Carandiru prison, which was one of the biggest correctional facilities in Brazil at that time. The film starts with a colorful and noisy depiction of the daily life in Carandiru, providing a glimpse into the living conditions of the inmates. The prison is shown as a chaotic, overcrowded, and filthy place with no hope or future for the prisoners, who live in terrible conditions, trying to find a way to survive day to day. The inmates include drug dealers, murderers, and other types of criminals, each with their own story and reasons for ending up in the prison.

As the story progresses, the focus shifts to the life of Dr. Drauzio Varella (Enrique Diaz), a physician who is appointed to work in Carandiru. He starts with a skeptical and critical approach towards the prisoners, but soon realizes that they are human beings who need his help. He forms a bond with the inmates by listening to them, treating their ailments, and knowing their stories. He provides them with basic healthcare and medical attention, which they have been deprived of for years.

The inmate's stories are weaved into the movie, one of which catches the attention of the doctor, Zico (Wagner Moura), who is a charismatic and respected leader in the prison community. Zico's character is developed carefully throughout the film, showing his care for the prisoners, his leadership skills, and his aspirations of a better life. He forms a relationship with the doctor, who starts to treat him and his friends against various diseases, including HIV.

The movie's climax arrives when the police riots take place in Carandiru, a violent event that left hundreds of prisoners dead. The director manages to show the chaos and brutality of the event in a realistic and gut-wrenching way, without resorting to gruesome or gory tactics. The inmates, who have narrated their stories throughout the movie, are shown in their last moments, trying to save themselves by seeking refuge wherever they could.

The Aftermath of the riots is shown, which brings an emotional conclusion to the movie. The prison is shut down, and the inmates are transferred to other prisons. Dr. Varella, who narrates the movie, leaves us with his plea to see prisoners as humans and not as criminals, reminding us that they too deserve basic human rights.

The movie is a powerful depiction of the Brazilian prison system, showing both the good and bad aspects of the inmates and the people who run the prison. The director manages to balance the emotions, never relying on gimmicks, and provides a bleak, yet honest look at the daily life of prisoners. The cinematography is skillful, with the director using the camera efficiently, capturing the vastness and claustrophobia of the prison, as well as the misery and hopelessness of the inmates. The soundtrack is unobtrusive, allowing the characters and their stories to take center stage.

Carandiru is a movie that shows us how humans, even in the most trying circumstances, can hope, dream, and live their lives to the fullest. Even in the darkest of moments, there is some light, and that is what the movie tries to remind us of. A must-watch for anyone interested in prison stories or Brazilian cinema.

Carandiru is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 71.