[JayMillz]

For decades, Rio de Janeiro's sprawling favelas (slums) have been under the control of heavily armed drug gangs. But now, the government of Brazil wants to take them back, and reform one of the world's most unequal and violent cities. The plan is part of a bold new initiative to give Brazil's most picturesque city a face lift before the world turns its eyes on the country for the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.

Correspondent Mariana van Zeller finds out that the traditional rulers of Rio's favelas are not ceding control without a fight. The government of Brazil has promised to continue its campaign, and provide a blueprint for one of the most pressing and perplexing questions in our increasingly urban world: how to transform, develop and integrate sprawling, often crime-ridden slums.

[Joga Bonito]

This whole clean up act usually occurs in most major cities that host events like the World Cup in a last ditch attempt to save face before the country gets hit with a throng of tourists. I recall South Africa hiding their homeless and relocating them to other areas when they hosted the World Cup 2 years ago. In the long run though, nothing is done to really help the poor, its just a social band aid and facade.

[elabayarde]

Yeah.. i actually have alot of friends down in brazil. THey know how I am and the first thing they said is do not got to pacified favelas ever. The cops treat it like the filuja invasion during the iraq war. Its better to go to the favelas controlled by the locals. Obviously, I dont have real time info, but this year I'll be down there. My unlcle always talks about the cops down there. hes been shaken down by them several times. He say he is way more nervous are the cops down there than the drug dealers.

Again, I dont have real time info, but this documentary seems to support what they say. But they spin it. THe cops kill 1 per 23 arrested?!?!?!.... things that make you go hhhummmm.