A gritty, Brazilian drama which called for Alice Braga to be naked and in heat nearly non-stop, whether in a bed with a boyfriend or one of her assortedy Johns.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jun 16, 2007

The meager plot is no more than a clothesline upon which to hang some heated sex scenes and ugly violence.

| Mar 1, 2007

There are sections of the screenplay that lead nowhere and I also find the ending makes the film rather incomplete. Yet it's a gripping work, and a powerful journey while it lasts.

| Nov 24, 2006

A likeable and accomplished addition to the Latin American new wave.

| Sep 28, 2006

For stretches it's enough to enjoy the grungy but gorgeous locations, the soulful performances of the three leads and the frequent, ravenous sex scenes. OK, for long stretches it's enough.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 6, 2006

not quite enough to make this the explosive debut he no doubt was wishing for.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 30, 2006

Yes, it can be hard having a girlfriend who's a hooker.

| Original Score: D+ | Aug 30, 2006

The toastiest summer on record is but an intermittently flickering 40-watt bulb when held up to the positively incendiary sexual firestorm that is Brazilian import Lower City.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 26, 2006

Everything feels obvious and by-the-numbers, as if director and co-writer Srgio Machado was constrained by archetypes and narrative tradition.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 18, 2006

With a distinct lack of action, Machado resorts to far too many close-ups of his stars until, as good-looking as they are, you tire of looking at them.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 18, 2006

The setting is far more enticing than the story. Sometimes, that's enough.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 18, 2006

Three potent performances readily compensate for the familiar plot.

| Original Score: B | Aug 18, 2006

A steamy love triangle that may earn our attention primarily on prurient interest, but ends up being honestly involving.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 18, 2006

A steamy lust triangle that would be better if you didn't get the feeling that the guys were competing (kinda like in the cockfight) and Karinna is just the prize that goes to the victor.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 18, 2006

Brazilian director Sergio Machado once worked as an assistant to Walter Salles, but fortunately, his new film as director, Lower City is alive in ways that Salles could not conceive.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 18, 2006

In trying for realism, Machado only achieves dramatic inertness. His three fallen characters drift through life with no purpose other than to satisfy their immediate physical needs.

| Original Score: C | Aug 17, 2006

Machado asks us to believe in the love between Karinna, Deco and Naldinho without ever making us feel anything but the tug of their sexual attraction.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 17, 2006

Everyone involved in the film seems better than the material.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 12, 2006

Any social comments the film might contain fall by the wayside in your brain, pushed aside by the bullet: 'Karinna's topless again!' That's life in Lower City.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 4, 2006

Strong performances by the three leads ... help to make up for the story's sliver of a plot.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 4, 2006