Three world renowned masters (Mestre Olavo dos Santos, Mestre Boca Rica, and Mestre Cobra Mansa) tell of the oppressive conditions during and after slavery which shaped the unique art form of Capoeira. Sharing radically different views with their focuses ranging from the violence of Capoeira's early days, to the art of Capoeira's deceptive moves, to the modern social benefits of capoeira for a youth in troubled times; they articulate, through personal insight an animated and colorful picture of Capoeira. Living under bridges on the ghetto streets of Salvador Brazil a young man (Hawke) turns to Capoeira in order to save himself from destitution. Heroically he betters his life and becomes a teacher of Capoerira in turn offering hope and opportunity back to troubled youths. Weaving between interviews, rare old footage, and modern exhibitions of capoeira, the film tells the stories of these men. In so doing, connections to slavery, African Candomble, magic, the music of the berimbau, and the legendary Besouro (the flying capoeirista) are discovered. Rather than pulling back in a traditional documentary style to give a broad overview, the film takes us inside the lives of these men to experience the essence of what Capoeira is. Rather than an historical account, it is an artistic penetration into the subject of Capoeira. In the end, despite their troubles the battle-scarred old masters rejoice with their community in the marketplace and the roda. And the man from the streets makes a way for himself. From their stories we get a sense of where Capoeira has come from, what it is, and where it may be going.
—Ted Golder