Pixote
1980 · Movie · R · 127 min · ★ 7.9 · 88% critics
A 10-year-old boy is caught in a corrupt youth detention center, where cruelty and abuse surround him. After an opportunity to escape, he and other boys try to survive on the streets, only for their crimes to lead to escalating violence and more deaths.
Also known as Pixote: The Law of the Weakest
Where to watch
Streaming on The Criterion Channel — or rent from $3.99.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Original title
- Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco
- Years
- 1980
- Release date
- 1980-09-26
- Language
- Portuguese
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 127 min
- Critic score
- 88/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.9/10 (243 votes)
About
You’ll likely appreciate Pixote’s unflinching look at street survival and state corruption, told with a gritty, hard-hitting feel; Not for you if you’re easily shocked by extreme violence, sexual content, or harsh abuse—also avoid if you want something lighter than Menace II Society or Stand by Me.
Pros: raw, documentary-like realism; powerful performances; essential viewing | Cons: very disturbing content; intense violence; not for easily shocked
Themes
- prostitution
- lgbt
- disturbed
- gay theme
- critical
- intense
- depressing
- complicated
Awards & recognition
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1982 · nominated
Cast & crew
Fernando Ramos da Silva
as Pixote
- JJ
Jorge Julião
as Lilica
- GM
Gilberto Moura
as Dito
- EL
Edilson Lino
as Chico
- ZS
Zenildo Oliveira Santos
as Fumaça
- CB
Claudio Bernardo
as Garatao
- ID
Israel Feres David
as Roberto Pie de Plata
- JS
Jose Nilson Martin Dos Santos
as Diego
Marília Pêra
as Sueli
Jardel Filho
as Sapatos Brancos
Directed by Héctor Babenco