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Poster for Carandiru

Carandiru

Seen it?

2003 | 145 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (67% 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Silence of the Lambs or Bronson, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 25 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect violence.
  • It's in Portuguese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

When a doctor decides to carry out an AIDS prevention program inside Latin America’s largest prison: the Casa de Detenção de São Paulo – Carandiru, he meets the future victims of one of the darkest days in Brazilian history.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    67% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.6 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $11 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 30K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Héctor Babenco

  • Luiz Carlos VasconcelosDoutor (Physician)
  • Milton GonçalvesChico
  • Ivan de AlmeidaNego Preto (Ebony)
  • Aílton GraçaMajestade (Majesty)
  • Maria Luísa MendonçaDalva
  • Aida LeinerRosirene
  • Rodrigo SantoroLady Di
  • Gero CamiloSem Chance (No Way)
  • Lázaro RamosEzequiel
  • Caio BlatDeusdete