Carandiru (2003)
Kernel Score: 87% · 597 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2003-04-11
Runtime: 145 minutes
Where to watch Carandiru
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-25.
Overview
When a doctor decides to carry out an AIDS prevention program inside Latin America’s largest prison: the Casa de Detenção de São Paulo - Carandiru, he meets the future victims of one of the darkest days in Brazilian History when the State of São Paulo’s Military Police, with the excuse for law enforcement, shot to death 111 people. Based on real facts and on the book written by Dráuzio Varella.
Carandiru parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Carandiru is an R-rated Brazilian drama depicting prison life and the real-life Carandiru massacre by police.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Depicts police brutality and a real-life prison massacre in which over a hundred inmates were killed.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Carandiru
If you liked Carandiru, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Secret Agent (2025) — 97%
- Elite Squad (2007) — 90%
- Diaz - Don't Clean Up This Blood (2012) — 79%
- The Way He Looks (2014) — 88%
- Murder in the First (1995) — 80%
- Bronson (2009) — 76%
- The Life of David Gale (2003) — 84%
- I've Loved You So Long (2008) — 83%
Director
Cast
- Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos as Doutor (Physician)
- Milton Gonçalves as Chico
- Ivan de Almeida as Nego Preto (Ebony)
- Aílton Graça as Majestade (Majesty)
- Maria Luísa Mendonça as Dalva
- Aida Leiner as Rosirene
- Rodrigo Santoro as Lady Di
- Gero Camilo as Sem Chance (No Way)
- Lázaro Ramos as Ezequiel
- Caio Blat as Deusdete
Carandiru FAQ
Is Carandiru good?
Carandiru has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 597 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Carandiru?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Carandiru OK for kids?
Carandiru is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Carandiru is an R-rated Brazilian drama depicting prison life and the real-life Carandiru massacre by police.
What movies are like Carandiru?
If you liked Carandiru, try The Secret Agent, Elite Squad, Diaz - Don't Clean Up This Blood and The Way He Looks.