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Celluloid
CrimeDrama Rotterdam 1981

Pixote

Directed by Héctor Babenco · 1980 ·

Short answer

Is Pixote worth watching?

Yes. Pixote (1980) earns an 82% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (100%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (91%). See the 4 inputs.

82%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

100% Editorial Rating
91% Audience snapshot · excluded
62 Metascore
★★★★☆ Letterboxd 4.3
8 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
2h 8m
Age rating
R (US)
Cast
Fernando Ramos da Silva , Jorge Julião , Gilberto Moura
Country
Brazil
Language
Portuguese

Also known as Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco Pixote, la ley del más débil Pixote, la loi du plus faible Asphalt-Haie 피쇼테 街童 Pixote, la legge del più debole

Where to watch

Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists MUBI in Indonesia. Check local listings for your region.

Rent: Amazon Video

Buy: Amazon Video

Where to watch Pixote by country

Country Streaming on
Indonesia MUBI
Japan MUBI
Malaysia MUBI
Nigeria MUBI
Philippines MUBI
South Africa MUBI
South Korea MUBI
Thailand MUBI
United Arab Emirates MUBI

Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (100/100).
  • Audiences widely enjoyed it (91%).
  • Metascore is generally favorable (62/100).
  • Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4.3/5).
  • IMDb users score it 8/10.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded crime, drama pick
  • Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is Pixote worth watching?

    Yes — Pixote earns an 82% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded crime, drama pick. Read our full review (4.5/5).

    Celluloid verdict

    Babenco's harrowing classic launched a wave of socially committed Brazilian cinema worldwide.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics (100%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (91%).

    What is Pixote about?

    Street children in São Paulo descend into theft, violence, and institutional abuse in a neorealist portrait of Brazil's abandoned youth.

    Watch the Trailer

    Critic Reviews

    Short review 4 min read English Pixote

    Pixote (1980) Review: Childhood Failed by the State

    Pixote is Héctor Babenco's harrowing Brazilian drama about São Paulo street children, cast with real kids and shot with an unflinching, neorealist honesty.

    Yes, if you can take it. This is one of the great films about abandoned children, essential for serious viewers but deeply distressing and not for the faint-hearted.

    Kaiser Khan Founder & Editor

    Pixote stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    Pixote production still 1
    Pixote production still 2
    Pixote production still 3
    Pixote production still 4
    Pixote production still 5
    Pixote production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    Pixote: frequently asked questions

    Is Pixote worth watching?

    Yes. Pixote (1980) has a Celluloid Score of 82%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    Where can I watch Pixote?

    In the United States you can rent it from Amazon Video or buy it from Amazon Video. Elsewhere: MUBI in Indonesia; MUBI in Japan; MUBI in Malaysia; MUBI in Nigeria. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

    How long is Pixote?

    Pixote runs 2 hours 8 minutes (128 minutes).

    What is Pixote rated?

    Pixote is rated R in the United States. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in Pixote?

    Pixote is directed by Héctor Babenco and stars Fernando Ramos da Silva, Jorge Julião, Gilberto Moura.

    What is the Metascore for Pixote?

    Metacritic's Metascore for Pixote is 62 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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