Before Pixote , before Cidade de Deus ( City of God ) , there was Capitães da Areia . Based on the novel by Jorge Amado , Brazil 's most acclaimed writer, and co-written by Jose Louzeiro ( Pixote ), this series takes a searing look at the underbelly of Brazilian society.

This candid production vividly portrays the violence, brutality and promiscuity of young orphans living on the beaches of Bahia , as they try to survive in a world that has already given up on them. It follows the adventures of one of these gangs, led by Pedro 'the Bullet', through thievery, street fighting and police brutality. This series treats the subject with sympathy, encouraging viewers to understand the lives of these unfortunates.

The cast includes Tamara Taxman (Selva de Pedra) and, like Cidade de Deus , a multitude of street kids from the area who demonstrate surprising talent and professionalism. More than two hundred scenes were recorded in Bahia, one of Brazil 's most beautiful regions.

The book is also available in German as: Die Herren des strandes

Year of production:

1990