The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

This is another movie that displays the wide stretch of poverty apparent all throughout South America.  The Motorcycle Diaries follows the young and soon to be “Che”Guevara along his journey through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela and across many parts of Latin America.  With him we see the oppressed and impoverished nature of the people living throughout his country.  

City of God (2002)

"City of God" follows a gang of young, city-dwelling, impoverished, boys growing up in the hard, violent-filled streets of Rio De Janeiro.  The movie portrays the gradual growth of these street kids into gang-members, drug lords, and those just trying to get by.  This movie is a must watch and an eye-opener for those paying attention to the socio-economic conditions and painful reality of poverty and desperation in South America.

Accattone (1968)

"Accattone" by acclaimed film director and writer Pier Paolo Pasolini tells the story of a man trying to make a living in the slums of Rome during the 1960's.  This movie is grippingly real and gives a vivid glimpse into the poverty and corruption that occured in certain parts of Europe during that era.  The main character is someone that doesn't work, is in the company of prostitutes and pimps and practices certain destructive behaviors, which evidently exacerbate his destitute situation.  This is definitely a top movie that portrays the increasingly rampant growth of urban poverty.