The larger message remains clear: Unified communities have more power than they realize, and the most vicious enemy of progress is learned helplessness.
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerBill White
Seattle Post-IntelligencerBill White
An inspirational portrait of an unwanted kid who brought culture to a world that had known only violence.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
A daring and emotional documentary.
70
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
Elevated by fantastic performance footage of Sa and his young protégés singing, dancing and rhythmically banging on cans, plastic bottles or anything else that can be fashioned into a drum -- and a cultural revolution.
50
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
All in all, the movement turned out to be a godsend for Rio natives, but the film is merely a pep rally.
50
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
For all its drive and passion, Favela Rising is an uneven, spasmodic film.