Trash

Trash is a 2014 Brazilian drama film written by Stephen Daldry, based on the novel "Trash: New York 1, Rio 2, Tokyo 3" by Andy Mulligan. Directed by Stephen Daldry and Marco Polo Constandse, the movie delves into themes of friendship, perseverance, and the struggles faced by the underprivileged. The film tells the story of three young boys - Raphael, a resourceful leader; Gardo, a quiet and observant boy with a passion for soccer; and Rat, a quick-witted and street-smart young boy who often gets them into trouble. They inhabit a world of poverty and neglect, living in a sprawling garbage dump in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The boys spend their days rummaging through trash, searching for valuable items to sell, and struggling to survive. One day, they stumble upon a bag containing a small USB drive that holds a cryptic message that reads, "Do not look, do not touch." Believing they have found something invaluable, the trio decides to investigate further and eventually discovers a set of diamonds inside the bag. As soon as news of the discovery spreads, the boys realize they are now targets of the corrupt police chief, who wants to keep the diamonds for himself. The police chief will stop at nothing to find the diamonds, including raiding the garbage dump multiple times, beating up the boys and their friends, and even offering bribes to informants. Panicked, the three boys flee from the scene of the crime, taking their new "treasure" with them. However, they realize that if they try to keep the diamonds, they, as well as their families, could face imprisonment and violence. Meanwhile, as news of their discovery spreads, the boys' lives spiral out of control. Their families are torn apart, and their friends become wary of them. Raphael tries to organize the group to leave Rio de Janeiro but Gardo and Rat insist on fighting to clear their names. As they try to uncover the truth about the diamonds and the people behind their disappearance, the boys learn more about the reality of their circumstances and the true cost of their actions. They begin to realize that they are not the only ones trying to survive in this world and that there are those who genuinely want to help them. Eventually, they turn to the help of a sympathetic social worker named Jane, who works with underprivileged children. She takes an interest in their story and agrees to aid them in exposing the police chief's corruption. Together, the social worker and the three boys embark on a perilous journey as they confront the corrupt system and fight for their rights. Along the way, they form strong bonds as they navigate the challenges and hardships that life has thrown at them. Ultimately, the movie depicts the resilience and determination of the human spirit, highlighting the ways in which the bonds of friendship and community can lead even the most vulnerable individuals to victory. In a heartwarming conclusion, the boys successfully expose the truth, clear their names, and receive a measure of justice. Despite the challenges they face, the film leaves a lasting impression on the viewers, a testament to the strength and courage that can emerge even in the darkest circumstances.