Stills from Elite Force 2. Images courtesy of respondents
Beijing, 19 Dec (Xinhua) -- On the evening of 18 December, André Ramiro, one of the main actors of the Brazilian film "Elite Troops 1&2," attended the second Brazilian Film Festival in Beijing and was interviewed by a Xinhua reporter to tell Chinese audiences about life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Focusing on slum crime and police corruption, Elite Force 1 became the focus of public opinion in Brazil after its release in 2007 and subsequently won the Golden Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival. In 2010, Elite Force 2 was another huge success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Brazil at the time.
"I grew up in a slum in Rio, and violence and the drug trade happened right next to me." "But I want to emphasize that slum dwellers are mostly honest people who work hard to support their families," Ramiro said. I hope to change my life through hard work. ”
Ramiro plays Matthias. Images courtesy of respondents
In the film, Ramiro plays Matthias, an idealistic young cop who is hardworking and thoughtful. After experiencing various tragedies of shady scenes and the murder of his friends, he quickly transformed into a tough predatory military policeman.
"Before I starred in Elite Force 1, I made a living selling tickets in theaters, making my favorite music in my spare time and being an underground rapper." Ramiro told reporters, "It was this movie that took a 180-degree turn in my life, and I became a professional actor. Now I'm even in China, sitting here and chatting with you. ”
Ramiro feels a lot like matthias, who he plays, both representing people in Brazil who are serious about their work and want to do the right thing to change their status quo.
"Matthias and I are both people who are exposed to both worlds at the same time— from slum roots, and know what's inside. We all came out and got to know the outside world, so we were able to communicate between the two worlds. Ramiro said.
"What slum dwellers want most is respect and opportunity." He said.
In interviews, Ramiro repeatedly thanked the people who had helped him and given him a chance. He said living in the slums had taught him a lot. There, people must support each other and unite to survive. He said: "You must learn to be humble, know how to be grateful, and take the initiative to help others." ”
When recalling the filming experience at that time, Ramiro believes that the crew did face some difficulties and dangers, but overall everyone worked happily.
He also mentioned that the crew hired a lot of slum residents to help, and some people also experienced a bunch of extras in the film, so it can be said that the two "Elite Troops" were made by the crew and the slums.
Ramiro said that the security problems reflected in the film are only one aspect and should not be an obstacle to everyone's travel to Brazil. Hopefully, more Chinese can visit Brazil.
"The Brazilian people are very beautiful, we have great multi-ethnic integration, there is a lot of social diversity, people can be different and have fun." Ramiro said the Brazilian people are particularly hospitable, much like China.