# Elite Squad (2007) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/elite-squad-2007/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 62% |
| Editorial Rating | 54/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 89% (excluded from composite) |
| Metascore | 33/100 |
| Letterboxd | 4/5 |
| IMDb | 8/10 |
| Director | José Padilha |
| Genres | Action, Crime |
| Runtime | 115 min |
| Festival premiere | Berlinale 2008 (Golden Bear) |

## Quick answer

Elite Squad (2007) earns a 62% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Padilha's controversial hit exposed Brazil's police violence to record domestic audiences. Critics and audiences diverge (54% critic vs 89% audience). Metascore 33/100. Directed by José Padilha.

## Celluloid verdict

Padilha's controversial hit exposed Brazil's police violence to record domestic audiences.

## Synopsis

A captain in Rio's BOPE special forces prepares for promotion while planning a raid to clear a favela before the Pope's visit.

## Cast

Wagner Moura, Caio Junqueira, André Ramiro

## Accolades

Premiered at Berlinale 2008, where it won the Golden Bear.

## Where to watch

Global: BFI Player
the United States: BFI Player
Malaysia: Lionsgate Play

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is Elite Squad worth watching?**
Elite Squad holds a 62% Celluloid Score. Padilha's controversial hit exposed Brazil's police violence to record domestic audiences.

**What is Elite Squad about?**
A captain in Rio's BOPE special forces prepares for promotion while planning a raid to clear a favela before the Pope's visit.

**Who directed Elite Squad?**
Elite Squad (2007) was directed by José Padilha.

**What is the Celluloid Score of Elite Squad?**
62% — calculated from available Celluloid editorial (54/100), Metascore (33/100), Letterboxd (4/5), and IMDb (8/10) inputs. Audience sentiment is excluded.

**Where can I watch Elite Squad?**
Elite Squad is streaming on BFI Player; on BFI Player in the United States; on Lionsgate Play in Malaysia. Availability varies by region.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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