Pixote
Seen it?1980 | 127 min | Crime, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Monster or Hustle & Flow, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 7 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's in Portuguese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
10-year-old Pixote endures torture, degradation, and corruption at a local youth detention center where two of its members are murdered by policemen who frame Lilica, a 17-year-old trans hustler. Pixote helps Lilica and three other boys escape and they start to make their living by a life of crime which only escalates to more violence and death.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 36K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Hustle & Flow Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
In Cold Blood
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime drama.
Crimes of Passion
Weeknight WatchAnother crime drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Héctor Babenco
- Fernando Ramos da SilvaPixote
- Jorge JuliãoLilica
- Gilberto MouraDito
- Edilson LinoChico
- Zenildo Oliveira SantosFumaça
- Claudio BernardoGaratao
- Israel Feres DavidRoberto Pie de Plata
- Jose Nilson Martin Dos SantosDiego
- Marília PêraSueli
- Jardel FilhoSapatos Brancos