quite an interesting movie film in an almost cinema verite style . it be extremely authentic . the slum ( or favelas of rio ) and the dialogue and the gang member and the innocent by stander be all depict with a reality and that if it be not for the poverty and grimness and violence and would be consider refresh . from that point of view it be much like city of god but less nihilistic and the focus in this movie only center on rio de janeiro . there be a positive out look in that both the central character be concern with fatherhood while one be already a father and both do not know their real father ( although this change during the film ) . this create a counter balance to the slum and gang warfare . it take me awhile to understand or pick up on the storyline one must pay close attention during the first 30 40 minute to the character and dialogue . i realize after and when i watch the dvd out take and that this be base on a tv series so that may be a reason for those difficulty .