Carandiru (2003)

Brazilian MD Drauzio Varella starts AIDS prevention in Brazil's largest prison, Carandiru, in São Paulo, where the population is nearly double its 4,000 maximum. Doc learns from experience ... See full summary »

Director:

Hector Babenco

Writers:

Hector Babenco, Fernando Bonassi

Stars:

Enrique Diaz, Wagner Moura, Caio Blat

16 wins & 33 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos	...	Médico - Physician
Milton Gonçalves	...	Chico
Ivan de Almeida	...	Nego Preto - Ebony
Ailton Graça	...	Majestade
Maria Luísa Mendonça	...	Dalva
Aida Leiner	...	Rosirene (as Aída Leiner)
Rodrigo Santoro	...	Lady Di
Gero Camilo	...	Sem Chance - No Way
Lázaro Ramos	...	Ezequiel
Caio Blat	...	Deusdete
Wagner Moura	...	Zico
Julia Ianina	...	Francineide
Sabrina Greve	...	Catarina
Floriano Peixoto	...	Antônio Carlos
Ricardo Blat	...	Claudiomiro

Storyline

Brazilian MD Drauzio Varella starts AIDS prevention in Brazil's largest prison, Carandiru, in São Paulo, where the population is nearly double its 4,000 maximum. Doc learns from experience and mainly stories the tragic stories of hideous crimes which landed scum there and passionate dramas adding otherwise decent people. Just when he believes to leave the prisoners happy with a soccer tournament, a silly clothing line argument kick-starts a politically opportune revolt repression.

---

Plot Keywords:

doctor | brazilian prison system | lgbt in brazil | crime in brazil | brazil | 

---

Taglines:

Aqui dentro ninguém é culpado. Você acredita nisso? (Inside here nobody is guilty. Do you believe that?)

---

Genres:

Drama | Crime

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong bloody violence/carnage, language, sexuality and drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dr. Drauzio Varella wrote the original book at the encouragement of a patient he was treating for lymphatic cancer. That very patient happened to be Hector Babenco, who recovered and went on to direct the film adaptation.

---

Goofs

One of the inmates is wearing a Brazilian national team football shirt with four stars, representing the four times that Brazil was FIFA world-champion. But the movie ends in the massacre of 1992, two years before they won the fourth title.

---

Quotes

Lady Di: I've come to take the test.
Médico - Physician: Please, take a seat. First, I'd like to ask you a few questions, Lady Di.
Lady Di: I've seen this movie before, doctor. I've never needed a blood transfusion and I never pierce my veins. The only drug I use is a joint now and then... when I watch TV or for a little romance.
Médico - Physician: And partners, how many?
Lady Di: Oh, about 2000.

---

Connections

Referenced in Carandiru.doc (2003)

---

Soundtracks

A Noite de Nós Dois
Written by Fernando César and Otello Zuccolo
Performed by Maysa

User Reviews

Funny, honest, human, wonderful movie.

Brazil is a country of contrasts, and this movie show that perfectly. The same person that can kill somebody without thinking it twice can be nice and gentle at very the next moment. Been in Brazil has this feeling, you may expect violence and danger, but you may get 99% of the time generosity and happiness. An, well, when you put 8000 man in the space of 4000, and they manage to create a micro-universe with there own rules, that works better than the world outside, it just can be in Brazil. Plenty of humor, humanity and honestly, this movie is superior to City Of God, just because it has a positive, optimist message regarding that'111 or so prisoners died in the 1990s' as Alexdffy point out above, showing a lot of respect for human life. Wightly recommended for open minds, that can see the person beyond the criminal...and not criminal to.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site . Photos, trailer, plot, etc. (Portuguese, English) Sony Pictures Classics [United States]

Country:

Brazil Argentina Italy

Language:

Portuguese

Release Date:

11 April 2003 (Brazil)

Also Known As:

Carandiru

Filming Locations:

Carandiru Prision, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Box Office

Budget:

BRL12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,945, 16 May 2004

Gross USA:

$216,335

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,781,635

Company Credits

Production Co:

BR Petrobrás, Columbia TriStar Filmes do Brasil, Globo Filmes

Technical Specs

Runtime:

145 min 148 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1