Based on a real train robbery that took place in Brazil.
Protagonist Eliezer Gomes (Tião Medonho) was an ambulance driver with no former acting training. He was chosen over 300 candidates.
The film uses many actual locations concerning the robbery: the actual site of the train heist (Japeri, near Rio de Janeiro); the Coelho Neto bridge (the shootout); the favela of Mangueira; the police headquarters of Lapa; the actual house that Tião Medonho bought after the robbery etc.
Debut of actress Dirce Migliaccio.
Gracinda Freire's debut.