Elite Squad 2: The Enemy Within

Welcome back to Rio de Janeiro, and all the happy citizens just trying to live while surrounded by a world of non-stop violence. This film is set 13 years after the events of the original, however it was only released 3 years of real time after it. Does it hit as hard as the original? Come find out.

Bullets are loaded into clips and chambered in pistols and larger carbine rifles. BOPE Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Nascimento (Moura) walks out of a hospital to his car, while men surveil his actions, looking for violence. As Nascimento pulls out, a crew of vehicles block his path and unload shots into his ride. Bullets fly non-stop and it seems unlikely that anyone can survive this ambush.

Like the first film, it is flashback time. As the events of the original play briefly during rock-n-roll credits, we are then ushered back into Nascimento’s world and narration. Despite his attempts to leave it behind, back to BOPE Nascimento eventually went, after his plans for retirement soured and his wife moved on. Four years before the opening ambush, the plots start to weave as Lt. Colonel Nascimento mostly works from behind the desk.

Bangu 1 Maximum Security Penitentiary holds the worst dealers, with each cartel in separate wings as a minor attempt to curb inmate violence. Inside however, it operates similarly to outside, as the prison is rife with drug trafficking and use. 400 thousand prisoners inhabit the country’s justice system, and some argue against this inmate population as it keeps doubling every 8 years or so. This is a pricey system and drain on citizen finances, and the numbers look pretty awful for the future. However, what are the alternatives?

As cops bring guns inside the Bangu 1 walls to a gang crew led by a thug named Beirada, things do not look good. A riot is about to explode due to awful living conditions and corrupt guards. The scene is rife with blood and rival crews getting gunned down, but where will this lead? Maybe BOPE will get involved, currently led by Nascimento’s protégé André Matias (Ramiro), selected in the first film. As the prison starts to burn, it’s hard to imagine things will end well.

This is just the beginning, as exploitation, drug dealing, ethics, money and power are on full display. This sequel is an unflinching look at these themes, upping the ante even further and bringing hard hitting action to combat the never-ending criminal actions in Rio. The performances are very strong and the story follows interesting political, corruption and consequence trails. It is easy to get absorbed by the film’s insanity, and overall, it is even stronger than the first as it covers the issues from a wider viewpoint.