Rhetorical Tactics of Born Into Brothels

The most useful rhetorical tactic used in Born into Brothels was, in my mind, sequencing. In terms of rhetorical appeals, pathos is probably the most effective, causing the viewer to feel sympathy for the children, and at the same time, disgust because their lives and families are so terrible. The film opens showing just a bare light bulb, with bugs flying around it. It then alternates between showing close-ups of the children's eyes, and scenes of their hometown of the Red Light District. Their eyes seem to look sad, like they have no hope, and after seeing where they live, it is not a surprise. The next important example of sequencing is when the first girl, Kochi, is being interviewed and talks about the other women asking her when she is going to join the line. From there, pictures of women on the line are shown. This is a very effective order for the movie. You feel so sad, that this innocent little girl, might one day end up living as these other women do. Many other examples of sequencing can be found throughout this documentary. The filmmakers wanted to show the children being happy, if only for a moment, and then went on to show their fear of how they were essentially doomed to live unhappy lives forever. The whole film tugs at the heart of the audience, and the inclusion of the juxtaposition of such happiness with extreme despair, makes it so much more emotional for all who watch.