This movie gets its reputation as being one of the only Capoeira movies, and as such it’s one of the best. But the cheesy ‘90s plot and awkward teen acting make it a painful watch at times. The action is mostly lacking, with a few exceptions, cutting too much and feeling more like stage acting than the gritty realism the tone of the movie is trying to accomplish.
Closest comparison: It’s like Kickboxer by way of Rad (1986).
Setting: Teen Drama
Plot: Bad Batch
Tone: Coming of Age