Retrato Do Artista Com Um 38 Na Mão

A young, ambitious criminal plans a series of daring robberies across Rio de Janeiro, navigating a treacherous underworld of gangs, corrupt police, and personal betrayals. As his notoriety grows, he finds himself increasingly isolated and hunted, blurring the lines between his carefully constructed persona and his true self. The film explores themes of identity, greed, and the destructive nature of a life lived on the edge.

The film was a critical success, praised for its gritty realism, stylish direction, and strong performances, particularly from Selton Mello and Lázaro Ramos. It captured the attention of international audiences and solidified Fernando Meirelles's reputation as a significant voice in Brazilian cinema, though some found its violence gratuitous.

• Praised for its visceral portrayal of urban crime and the Brazilian underworld.

• Selton Mello's performance as the ambitious criminal was widely lauded.

• The film's stylish cinematography and fast-paced narrative were often highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available for this specific title, but general sentiment often praises its realistic depiction of crime and compelling characters.

Won Best Actor for Selton Mello at the Gramado Film Festival and received multiple nominations for other Brazilian film awards.

The film's title, "Retrato Do Artista Com Um 38 Na Mão" (Portrait of the Artist with a .38 in Hand), is a nod to James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," recontextualizing the journey of self-discovery within a criminal milieu.