Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this gripping film follows the lives of two young boys who take divergent paths amidst the violence and crime of their neighborhood. The narrative is driven by the character Rocket, an aspiring photographer, who seeks to escape the cycle of poverty and crime, while his childhood friend, Li’l Zé, becomes a notorious drug lord. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the film is renowned for its raw and realistic portrayal of life in the favelas and has received critical acclaim, including four Academy Award nominations. Notably, the film features a cast of mostly non-professional actors, adding authenticity to its storytelling. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on 123Movies / Movies123.