Pixote (Brazil, 1981)

Directed by: Hector Babenco | Starring: Fernando Ramos Da Silva, Jorge Juliao | Language : Portuguese | Country : Brazil | Year : 1981

Esaki Muto: How did you find this film?
FilmBulb: When I was searching for similar films like City of Gods.

Esaki Muto: What prompted you to see this film?
FilmBulb: The film is set Brazil.

EM: By seeing the poster it looks like a coming of age film?
FB: Yes, but this film is not like "The Wonder Years" series or "Stand by Me". It's a film about exploitation of poverty stricken teens.

EM: Who is Pixote?
FB: He is the lead character. The first half of the film depicts exploitation of Pixote & his friends by government officials, when they are in the reform school. The next half is the exploitation by the society.

EM: Why are the kids exploited?
FB: You know the answer! Example- An adult can hire a kid to kill someone. A kid can't be jailed for long time, 2 - 3 years max.

EM: How does society exploit kids?
FB: Mugging, murder, drug trafficking and prostitution.

EM: Is the film stylish as City of God?
FB: It’s raw and blunt. Sometimes doco-style.

EM: Did Pixote come out of this mess?
FB: Honestly, I don't know, you have to see yourselves, but remember it is not New York, it's Sao Paulo.

EM: So it won Oscar award?
FB: Dai, Oscars are not sole-proprietor for cinema. If you want to see real good film then you have to get beyond the Oscars.

**Esaki Muto will visit FilmBulb once in awhile and discuss about the World Cinema.