Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by casouza (A) on June 03, 2009 at 01:04:52

In Reply to: RE: More and more, I like documentaries. "Manda Bala," from Brazil, shows the posted by tinear on April 16, 2009 at 11:48:27

I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and am new to this forum, though an active participant in
AA.
Manda Bala is NOT a documentary, it is fiction based on anedoctal hearsay, written and directed by an american citizen who does not know Brazil well enough or even speak our language.

For a more balanced view on Manda Bala, I suggest reading the following:
http://www.altfg.com/blog/film-festivals/manda-bala-brazils-corruption-kidnappings-and-frogs/

There is no "kidnapping industry" in Brazil anymore. All the "bosses" are in maximum security prisons serving very long sentences.
Kidnapping was a problem in the 80s and early 90s, but state and federal police got together and implemented specialized, well-equipped police squads in all major cities.
The FBI and Interpol helped with training and high-tech equipment. Our laws were changed to make kidnapping a major offence (no bail and longer sentences).

By the way Brazil is not a thug-heaven as depicted by Hollywood. We do have extradiction treaties with the USA and most European countries. We regularly provide one-way tickets plus complementary handcuffs to visitors wanted by the Interpol.

I apologize for the off-topic post, however I hate a stereotype as much as the next guy.