Boca de Ouro

Boca de Ouro was born in a back room of a dance hall, and his first crib was a bathroom sink where his mother left him. The boy grows up and becomes a feared and respected bookie—an almost mythological figure in the community where he lives. Fascinated by the story of the recently deceased criminal, journalist Caveirinha seeks out the criminal's ex-lover, D. Guigui, to gather material for an article. Her accounts of Boca reflect her emotional state.

Directed by José Celso Martinez Corrêa, Boca de Ouro leans on a strong ensemble — Marcelo Drummond, José Celso Martinez Corrêa, Sylvia Prado — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about crime titles of 1999.