Kohn takes [risks] in this convoluted but fascinating documentary -- and most of those choices pay off.

Kohn is a talented filmmaker and he's tackled a subject not seen before in documentary film, but you almost feel bludgeoned by the depressing state of Brazil instead of introduced to the problems there.

Fascinating, and presented with such panache that you can't help but get drawn in.

Kohn does a good job of bringing grim issues to light in a surprisingly entertaining manner. But maybe with a few more years of experience, he could make those issues resonate more fully.

Kohn, who shot Manda Bala in lush widescreen format and makes deft use of Brazilian pop music to give the film a cleverly incongruous soundtrack, is intent on making a picture that is as visceral to watch as it is to contemplate.

Kohn has produced an astonishingly honest and frankly shocking documentary.