The Red Light Bandit
Director: Rogério Sganzerla
Actors: Helena Ignez, Paulo Villaça, Pagano Sobrinho
PlotIn a chaotic and fast-paced narrative, the story unfolds in a gritty Brazilian urban setting where a notorious criminal, known for leaving a red light bulb at each crime scene, becomes infamous throughout the city. This enigmatic figure, driven by a mix of desperation and defiance against the injustices of his world, embarks on a spree of robberies, targeting affluent homes. The criminal's methods are unique and unpredictable, leaving the police force baffled and frustrated by his audacity and cunning. Flashbacks provide glimpses into his troubled past, revealing a life marked by poverty and neglect, which fuels his anger and motivates his life of crime. The city becomes a character in itself, reflecting the social and economic disparities that drive his relentless pursuit of chaos.
As the police investigation intensifies, the authorities struggle to keep up with his audacious heists while grappling with their own internal corruption. Meanwhile, the media sensationalizes the story, amplifying the bandit's mystique and inadvertently turning him into an anti-hero for some. The cat-and-mouse chase between law enforcement and the elusive outlaw grows increasingly tense, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and suspense. The narrative is interspersed with dark humor and surreal elements, highlighting the absurdity of a society on the brink of collapse. As the story progresses, layers of complexity around the main character are revealed, examining themes of rebellion and societal breakdown as the pursuit escalates and pushes everyone involved to their limits.
Writers: Rogério Sganzerla
Release Date: 02 Dec 1968
Runtime: 92 min
Rating: N/A
Country: Brazil
Language: Portuguese
Home Video Reviews
The Red Light Bandit offers a rough yet intentional aesthetic with cult appeal, enhanced by special features that enrich its experimental narrative.
Read our review of The Red Light Bandit Blu-ray O Bandido da Luz Vermelha to find out more