Top 10 Action Films Set in Favela

Description: This animated film, while lighter in tone, captures the vibrant life of Rio's favelas through the eyes of a macaw, blending action with cultural exploration.

Fact: The film's soundtrack features Brazilian artists, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: Part of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, this film brings the action to Rio's favelas, showcasing high-speed chases and heists against the backdrop of these communities.

Fact: The film was shot in Rio de Janeiro, with many scenes filmed in real favelas.

Description: While not an action film, it's set in a favela and explores themes of coming of age, friendship, and first love, providing a different but equally compelling narrative.

Fact: It was Brazil's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards.

Description: While set in Indonesia, the film's intense action sequences and portrayal of gang warfare echo the themes often seen in favela films, making it a thrilling addition to this list.

Fact: The film features a 20-minute continuous shot fight scene, showcasing the director's commitment to practical effects and choreography.

Description: Although not an action film, it provides a poignant look at class and social dynamics in Brazil, with scenes set in and around favelas, offering a different perspective on the environment.

Fact: It was Brazil's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

Description: This iconic film captures the rise of organized crime in Rio's favelas, focusing on the lives of two young boys who take very different paths. Its gritty realism and intense action scenes make it a standout in this genre.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on location in Rio's favelas, and many of the actors were locals with no previous acting experience.

Description: This documentary-style film recounts the real-life hijacking of a bus in Rio de Janeiro, exploring the life of the hijacker, a product of the favela system, and the societal issues that led to the event.

Fact: The film uses actual footage from the hijacking, blending documentary with dramatic reenactments.

Description: Follow the intense journey of a BOPE (Special Police Operations Battalion) captain as he navigates the corrupt system and the violent favelas to clean up the city before the Pope's visit. It's a raw look at police brutality and corruption.

Fact: The film was initially banned in Brazil due to its portrayal of police corruption but was later released with edits.

Description: While not a traditional action film, this documentary follows artist Vik Muniz as he works with catadores (waste pickers) from Rio's Jardim Gramacho landfill, highlighting the harsh realities of life in and around the favelas.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: The sequel to "Elite Squad," this film continues the story, focusing on the political corruption that plagues the favelas and the police force, offering a deeper look into the systemic issues.

Fact: It became the highest-grossing Brazilian film of all time, surpassing its predecessor.