• Summary: The sprawling favelas that surround Rio de Janeiro are some of the most dangerous places in the world... and it's Captain Nascimento's job to take down the gangs that run them. Although his methods are violent, he's very good at his job. When he's promoted to a powerful government position, he thinks he'll finally be able to finish the job - but instead finds out that he's only made things easier for the dirty cops and corrupt politicians that are truly running the show. (Variance Films) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    Nov 9, 2011
    91
    The pace is quick, the violence is rough, and the visual style is documentary as Padilha hammers home his point: Someone is forever in the pocket of someone else as The System constantly adapts to protect itself.
  2. Reviewed by: Diego Costa
    Nov 5, 2011
    88
    Elite Squad: The Enemy Within is pure pedagogic bliss.
  3. Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    Nov 17, 2011
    60
    The rest is an adrenaline ride, but one more wearying than eye-opening.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. The first movie had an un-precedent success in Brazil. Thought may be seen like just another action movie, it touched deep into major problems in Brasil and his echo was huge in building a conviction the attitude of authorities and citizens should change in the Country. It was a national phenomena and this sequel, even without capable of delivering the same original impact is absolutely competent in moving further on the subject and again to move the audiences in Brazil like no other film could ever done. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. 9
    Build upon the spectacular success of it's predecessor, the second installment of Tropa de Elite is quite a different movie. The plot is deeper, better thought out, even more engaging and, dare I say it, more mature. Nascimento, now outside of BOPE and locked behid the desk, tries to take on the system, treading carefuly in the dangerous zone where crime, corruption, intrigue and politics mix - zone where every step could be his last. Yet, devoted to his work, he grows distant to his beloved son... Elite Squad: The Enemy Within has a bigger budget than the first movie, and it shows in pretty every single aspect. A polished, vibrant, original movie, a must see for the fans of Tropa de Elite and quite a fine movie, worth watching for everyone else. Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes