“City of God,” Fernando Meirelles’ seedy journey into the dark underbelly of Rio de Janeiro, was a cult hit, a violent masterpiece that spawned a slew of South American gangster copycat flicks. But none of them nearly matched the intensity of the original. Most knock-offs lacked inspiration and were too afraid of taking the perspective off of the crime lords, preferring to keep it “Goodfellas”-style. “Elite Squad” daringly goes the other direction, focusing instead on the cops – and that’s what makes this film so exceptional.

Told from the viewpoint of BOPE (Brazil’s equivalent of a SWAT team), where corruption reigns as freely as it does in the crime-ridden slums, the film follows the determined Captain Nascimento. The grizzled veteran is desperately trying to retire and leave the bloodshed behind, but he first has to choose his replacement from two idealistic young officers straight out of the academy. 

Similar in both theme and tone to “City of God,” “Elite Squad” was co-written by “God” scribe Braulio Mantovani, and his mark is obvious, the two films being perfect complements of one another. From the brutally realistic depiction of carnage and corruption within the organization to the deep and thoughtful characterization of even the most depraved creatures, the films are two sides of the same grimy ill-begotten coin – except for key one difference.

While “God” was ultimately a hopeful film, “Elite” squad is a squalid pit of bleakness. Everyone is guilty in this war against drugs: from the cold-blooded gang members to the two-faced NGOs and politicians. Right down to the ultra-violent BOPE, it seems that there’s not a single redeemable soul in this depraved society. And each action set piece, while thrillingly filmed, also comes with an oppressive feeling of shame. It’s a film that destroys any preconceptions one might have towards the third world, and more importantly, lifts the scab off a society nobody wants to see, but that everyone should.

4 Stars by Justice Lai.

Directed by José Padilha. Starring Wagner Moura, Caio Junqueira, André Ramiro. Category IIB. 115 Minutes. Continuing.