Assalto à Brasileira film depicts 1987 Londrina bank robbery

The new film ‘Assalto à Brasileira’, directed by José Eduardo Belmonte, recreates a unique 1987 bank robbery in Londrina, Paraná. Starring Murilo Benício and Christian Malheiros, the movie explores a real-life criminal event that became a social phenomenon.

On December 10, 1987, seven armed men invaded a Banestado branch, taking over 300 employees and customers hostage. The criminals demanded 30 million cruzados—approximately US$ 10 million at the time—and an escape bus.

The event was notable for the reaction of the approximately 5,000 people gathered nearby. Amidst Brazil's economic instability and high inflation, segments of the crowd expressed support for the robbers, even applauding them as they moved toward their getaway vehicle. The film uses this event to examine the social and economic contradictions of Brazil during the late 1980s.