This was an outstanding film in terms of cinematography, editing, and structure of the screenplay.
I think the weakest part of the story had to do with Bené's character.
He is presented as this warm, wonderful guy -- you kind of need to feel that to get the full emotional impact of him being needlessly gunned down. But if he was such a great guy, why did he stick with Zé Pequeno all that time, as Zé Pequeno viciously tortured and murdered people left and right?
I just watched this for the first time and while I agreed initially I thought about it and even jumped back to the beginning. Here's my take
An identity crisis is an ongoing dilemma in COG. Early on Bene is barely in focus in many of the scenes. He's briefly introduced. As the movie progresses to the middle sequence on he's reintroduced as Lil Ze's running mate. We learn he's nothing like these hoodlums. We learn that about him at the exact moment the character does as well (turns into a 'playboy'). Before that moment he hadn't found his true identity while tending to follow the his friends, which is safe to assume has been Lil Ze and Rocket. He continues on with the gang life but having already conquered the territory, does not have to deal with more senseless murder. In a few scenes he stops Ze from killing. (Carot, the kid who killed the girl and dumped the body). Finally he decides he has to leave, as he's now found his identity; conversely affecting his screen time, as his character is no longer needed!
his character is really believable, he wasn't a great humanist at all but he didn't abuse people the way Ze Pequeno did, and that is why people liked him. If you pay attention people also approached Ze Pequeno for help but they were probably terrified by him, whereas they felt Bene could help them while not feeling harmed.
Enough is enough! I have had it with these monkey fighting snakes on this Monday thru Friday plane!
... he wasn't a great humanist at all but he didn't abuse people the way Ze Pequeno did, and that is why people liked him.Exactly! He is Zé's longtime partner in crime, but also we see that he is his best friend since early childhood, who is not afraid of speaking out against his friend's excesses. He was clearly the stabilizing influence during Zé Pequeno's reign as dominant crime lord in the favela.🐭 share
Bene and Ze Pequeno were the best of friends and has been bandits since they were children. He also seemed to enjoy living the life as a bandit even if he had a good heart. Another thing is that Bene could control Ze Pequeno. While Bene was alive things were not that bad because Bene stopped him from crossing the line.
share"He also seemed to enjoy living the life as a bandit even if he had a good heart."
the point is that he had no other options , he was destined to die in the favelas one way or another , truly one of the great films of all time , its in my top 10 list