Even since we saw City of God, we’ve been a little obsessed with Brazil.  Now, a trip there won’t be complete without the obligatory beach excursion as well as a little learning about the reality of life in one of the many favelas, the shanty towns that tower above the affluence that is cities like Rio and Sao Paulo. We were captivated by not only the cruelty displayed in City of God, but also the beauty amidst all of the destruction.  Elite Squad, about the Special Operations Police Battalion (aka BOPE) in Rio, explores the tumultuous and oh-so-familiar relationship between the police force and the neighborhoods they frequent, as well as the intersection of upper-class drug use and lower-class violence.  Trust us, this movie gives new merit to the term ‘policy brutality’.  The BOPE are tasked with eliminating the drug dealers whose law rules the neighborhoods in the hills, and have been charged with fighting dirtier—and more violent than the dealers themselves.  For those of you who are familiar with life in the favelas of Brazil, you understand that topping the reckless zeal of the drug dealers is a difficult mission to accomplish.  Elite Squad is one of Brazil’s biggest – and controversial—movies to date.  Filled with vivid, and unfortunately realistic violence, we promise that this movie won’t make you feel good, but it will make you feel aware.  And blessed.  Coming to U.S. theaters September 2008 (photo).