Prepare your mind and stomach: "Boca de Lixo" (included as an extra in the DVD release of Eduardo Coutinho's 2004 documentary "Peões") is a documentary about the unspeakable life condition of dozens of families who live off garbage in the landfill of Itaoca, 40 km away from Rio de Janeiro. How these men, women and children, forgotten by everyone (governments, NGOs, the media, churches, God Himself) manage not only to survive but to actually have hope and dignity -- and even smile occasionally -- is beyond any rational explanation; it's a proof of die-hard human resilience even when facing the most abject circumstances and the most revolting social injustice imaginable.
"Boca de Lixo" is the raw, tough companion to Jorge Furtado's similar-theme instant classic short "Ilha das Flores" (1989); but while "Ilha" wins you by its originality, wit and elegant structure, "Boca de Lixo" punches your belly and knocks you out. You may say what you want about director Coutinho's methods -- yes, he can be interfering, obvious, patronizing -- but these images here are so strong you can almost smell the stink coming from the screen. If you don't get a big lump in your throat when you watch "Boca de Lixo", you're probably dead already. Don't miss this one -- but beware of its unsettling effects.
PS: If you liked this one, you should probably try to see Marcos Prado's documentary "Estamira" (2004).
