Beautiful, interesting, incredible cinema.

See what’s playing
The Red Light Bandit
The Red Light Bandit
8.8
/10
1,211 Ratings

THE RED LIGHT BANDIT

O Bandido da Luz Vermelha

Directed by Rogério Sganzerla
Brazil, 1968
Crime, Thriller

Synopsis

Born in the misery of Brazilian slums, Jorge becomes a luxury house burglar nicknamed “The Red Light Bandit” by the sensationalist press. In addition to wearing a red flashlight, he talks to his hostages in an irreverent tone and makes bold breakthroughs to later spend the money extravagantly.

Synopsis

Born in the misery of Brazilian slums, Jorge becomes a luxury house burglar nicknamed “The Red Light Bandit” by the sensationalist press. In addition to wearing a red flashlight, he talks to his hostages in an irreverent tone and makes bold breakthroughs to later spend the money extravagantly.

Our take

Made when the director was only 21 (!), The Red Light Bandit is a fearless, kaleidoscopic work of late-60s countercultural filmmaking. Described by the filmmaker as “a western about the third world,” its bold imagery, dense editing, and crackling cacophony of sights and sounds is truly energizing.