Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite) is a Brazilian crime drama film directed by José Padilha, released in 2007. The film provides a gritty and intense portrayal of the war between law enforcement and the drug gangs in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. It is widely acclaimed for its raw depiction of violence, corruption, and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved.

The story is centered around Captain Nascimento (Wagner Moura), a tough and dedicated officer in BOPE (Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais), an elite unit of the Brazilian military police known for its brutal tactics in combating crime. Nascimento is tasked with preparing the favelas for the Pope’s visit to Rio, which requires a significant reduction in the rampant drug-related violence in the area.

As Nascimento battles criminals, he also grapples with his own personal struggles, including the stress of his job, the fear for his family’s safety, and the desire to leave the dangerous work behind. The film also follows two rookie officers, Neto (Caio Junqueira) and Matias (André Ramiro), who aspire to join BOPE. They represent the conflicting paths within the police force: Neto is driven by the adrenaline of action, while Matias is more idealistic, believing in justice and the rule of law.

Elite Squad delves into the complexities of law enforcement in a society riddled with corruption, where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. It portrays the harsh realities of life in the favelas, the challenges of maintaining order, and the personal cost of violence on those who enforce the law.

The film was a massive success in Brazil and won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. It sparked widespread debate about police brutality and the social conditions that lead to such extreme measures. Elite Squad also led to a sequel, Elite Squad: The Enemy Within (2010), which further explores these themes.

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