Escaping Brazil's Deadliest Gangs
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Published 2022-06-17
But amidst the carnage, there is a glimmer of hope - the “91” is a group of former gang lords turned pastors, who offer salvation to gang members who want to leave the criminal life. Their standing in the gang community, forged out of years of service and hard-fought respect, mean that only they can vouch for criminals looking to trade crime for the path of God.
By recording videos of these gangsters in repentance - that follow a tight script and are then shared with the higher ranks of the gangs for approval - they are saving hundreds of lives that Brazilian institutions overlook. This is the story of the “91”.
Directing and DOP: Mauricio Monteiro Filho and Avener Prado
Soundtrack: Gustavo Monteiro
Editing: Mauricio Monteiro Filho and Diego Arvate
Producers: Charlie Rosser and Matt Shea
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All Comments (21)
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WATCH MORE: This is how North Korea tried to steal $1 billion. - https://youtu.be/snckTSsnSgA
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It is crazy to think that these people live on the same planet as us. How totally different their perspective on life is
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That’s nice to see a group of men come together to end the crime.
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Brazilian pastor : go into ghetto risking life to convert ex-gang member* American pastor : "that choir boy sure is sound amazing"
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2025 vice video- how team 91 became brazils most dangerous narco group.
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I remember watching a documentary dance with the devil, about the favelas and a Christian pastor trying to help. By end of the documentary a large portion of those interviewed were all murdered. Terrifying.
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Those conversion videos are like kids screaming "sanctuary!" or "base" while playing tag.
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Happy to see them getting another change at life and even happier to see the Gang element respecting genuine conversion no longer persecuting the ex-gang members, even if it's financially motivated.
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God Bless Team 91’s Work, they help make the world a safer place every day.
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if this is what it takes to help unravel this tangle of violence then i'm all for it
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Is shocking to know that Brazil is this dangerous and it still ain’t the most violent in South America
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This is one of those times were religion is alright in my book, if it brings peace in a neighborhood, its alright.
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This felt like an episode of the anime, Black Lagoon.
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As Dominic Toretto said in Fast n Furious: This is Brazil!
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I pray that the good Lord bless that mission Team 91 and their works. May they truly serve the Lord's will by bringing the gospel to the hearts of those who are lost in sin and may Jesus be glorified in them, and through them.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
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Just wanna say I enjoy learning about new places , but this was terrifying.
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As a Brazilian of faith this is really inspiring! I hope to be able to bring the same solace to souls in the state of Bahia, and all over the country 🙏✨
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I wonder if these men, who were on the brink of death due to hits on their heads, actually stay with the church and let God enter their life and don't go back to their life of crime. And how often do the gang bosses know this is all BS and get retaliation against them knowing they haven't changed. We need a part two of this, a "where are they now" segment.
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Brazil is gigantic, these regions are on the edge of the country with borders like uruguay, colombia among others...
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This is insane man! I'm from Eastern Europe and I'm shocked these hubs of highly violent organized crime still exist! It feels like a throwback to documentaries of the 90's...
