A reminder of the power of the documentary to educate, inspire and share openly and honestly the world that surrounds us.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 4, 2020

Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman's Born Into Brothels is both sustained and ultimately sunk by its lofty intentions.

| Sep 29, 2017

an absorbing journey over gritty social terrain, driven by a fierce sense of purpose

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 20, 2012

This bond of trust between the filmmakers and their subjects exemplifies the kind of personal involvement that many documentary makers are striving for these days.

| Jun 8, 2008

As bright as a box of new crayons, and just as full of creative potential, these children give us vibrant pictures of hope in the midst of oppression.

| Original Score: A+ | Sep 20, 2007

In the end, you can't help but wonder exactly what it was you've just seen. A hard-hitting exposé? Voyeuristic slumming? A true tale of triumph, against all odds? A self-aggrandizing, vanity biopic? Some new type of reality film?Perhaps all of the above.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jun 20, 2007

Profundamente comovente e trágico, apesar de suas óbvias falhas estruturais e %u2013 o mais grave %u2013 de pisar em um terreno instável em seu aspecto ético.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 10, 2006

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 6, 2005

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 2, 2005

The children themselves are mostly upbeat and often happy. At the same time, they have an adult-like realization that their lives are likely to be short, and grim.

| Original Score: B | May 10, 2005

Every thinking adult should see this compelling Oscar-nominated documentary.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Apr 26, 2005

Born Into Brothels simmers with righteous anger, but it never boils over.

| Original Score: B- | Apr 13, 2005

A well-intentioned idealistic look at a group of oppressed children in Calcutta's red-light district.

| Original Score: A- | Apr 9, 2005

[The filmmakers'] approach to the material makes it palatable, but a grittier style would have added depth and power.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 8, 2005

It's a testament to the abilities of these Calcutta children that the most touching images revealed in Born Into Brothels are those taken by themselves.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 8, 2005

An unsentimental look at how beauty, artistry, and hope can emerge from the most unexpected of places.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 6, 2005

Wears the confidence of a well-planned feature.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 4, 2005

Briski doesn't merely document the children's milieu. Instead, she does something revolutionary: She empowers them to document it for themselves.

| Original Score: A- | Apr 4, 2005

Despite the bleak subject matter, Born into Brothels [contains] moments of pure elation.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 1, 2005

A devastating portrait of impoverished Calcutta children who are born into the sex trades, yet the film is also an inspiring document about human possibilities and the need to strive despite impossible odds.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 27, 2005