Hi again Charles!

Thanks for such an in depth comment.

You make a good point about the need to add some levity or to sensationalise a grim true story such as that of Carandiru in the name of making it palatable. That makes sense to me. Of course, it’s a different perspective for somebody who was unfamiliar with this story until seeing the film - this is why I had my reservations about the use of (some) comedy.

The film definitely implies that large part in the police brutality at Carandiru was due to the inmates having AIDS. Of course, it is a riot which lead the police to the prison, but the film highlights how the police and the inmates were frightened and how both were bringing up the fact that inmates had AIDS. The police characters became more violent after these mentions, and then started shooting inmates rather than directly handling them.

I’d be interested to learn more, but please, don’t subject yourself to anything harsh. I’m sure there must be a book documenting the events somewhere!

I do enjoy some Brazilian music! And I’m glad that you mention the quality of Argentinian cinema too. I actually have a copy of The Secrets in Their Eyes on my room, one that I haven’t gotten around to yet but have heard terrific things about!