The play was popular in Brazil as a subtle critique of the ruling dictatorship, but the questions it asked about the role of art in that oppressive society were left behind when the dictatorship fell.
Brazil
It was praised for its organic portrayal of the grim circumstances in Rio de Janeiro, yet also depicting the subtle beauty of the slum. The movie takes you on a high speed rollercoaster of gangs, violence, drugs, money, hope, death and the struggle with identity in the beaten down slums of Rio de Janeiro.
