Thursday 2 June 2011

Film: Rio Breaks



Two Young boys attempt to escape the horrors of life in the favelas (slums) of Rio De Janeiro through competing as surfers in this documentary feature from director Justin Mitchell.
Fabio has already lost his Father to the drug wars and has been abandoned by his Mother. Raised by a motley crew of family members he is a troubled boy, prone to flashes of aggression.
Naama lives nearby with his family and while struggling with the poverty and violence all around he continues to attend school when he’s not at the beach surfing.

The boys, along with others, some of whom have made it as professional surfers, dedicate themselves to riding the waves on many of Rio’s beaches, which provide a stunning backdrop to their shanty town existence.

Although I have little interest in surfing this captivated from beginning to end. Hearing the youngsters describe horrific acts of violence and frequent gun battles with an air of causality is very unsettling. It delves into a world that many of us, thankfully, will never encounter and provides a fascinating real-life glimpse into the settings depicted in the film City Of God.
Can Fabio and Naama overcome their circumstances to obtain lucrative sponsorship and become professional surfers?
Catch this heartfelt and moving film to find out.
Rio Breaks opens in UK cinemas on Friday 3rd June 2011.

Ric’s Rating: 79%

6 comments:

  1. Most of us can't even imagine that kind of life. And Rio is appearing in a lot of films lately.

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  2. I like the sound of this. (City of God was an amazing film.)

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  3. It's an exciting location Alex.

    Michael, I loved City Of God too and I think you will enjoy this one.

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  4. This sounds like my kind of film. I really enjoyed City of God, too.

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  5. Sounds fascinating, but sad. I love surf documentaries and City of God, so this sounds like a must see.

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  6. Talli, I hope you enjoy it if you do catch it.

    Jenny, you are right it is pretty sad in places.

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