City of God

Success in 2 hours and 11 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Language, Drug Content, Sexuality and Strong Brutal Violence!!!!!!!!!!!! In Brazilian Portuguese and English versions with English subtitles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of, if not the best film in Brazil. A masterpiece of cinema and certainly has characters that carry feelings.

Entertainment that is a Brazilian cinematic “treasure,” showing the drama (and incredible “normality”) of those who live in the communities of Rio de Janeiro with all the brutality of the criminals who rule there, whether they are criminals or police officers, using the action to narrate all the temptations (and consequences) that crime can offer to the less fortunate. A cinema lesson from São Paulo filmmakers Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund for the genre that is not “lucky” in Brazil, whether due to investment or script/direction. A well-delivered “slap in the face” to the society that insists on not demanding improvements from its politicians in communities like Cidade de Deus…

Esse filme mostra verdades que sempre ficaram debaixo do tapete uma obra impressionante e com uma ótima profundidade nesses assuntos.

Getting this out of the way at the beginning, there are some scenes in this film that are flat out hard to watch. They are showing mankind at their absolute worst and making the audience stare at it. It is unpleasant, it is the reality we all do our best to pretend it doesn't happen. They are important scenes, and powerful scenes that I won't forget despite how hard I may try. Let us move past those scenes and talk about the scenes I loved. It is the small moments of levity, finding humor in the darkness where this movie really shines. Despite its clear darkness, I end up thinking more about the positives.

An immensely powerful and gut wrenching look at crime and growing up in an environment wreathed by poverty, City of God is a masterclass in detailed storytelling and immersive character development which makes it an essential foreign film to watch.

All Time Classic. The weakest part is the soundtrack which is really god but not that catchy or memorable on it's own. Everything else though is masterful. We weave perfectly between Rocket & Ze who is one of the greatest villians I've ever seen. Truly despicable, disturbing, and you never know what is going to happen when he is on screen. This has so much commentary on the cycle of urban violence, poverty, and really immerses you in the world of crime. This makes even the most brutal 70's films wimper a bit with how unflinchingly violent and brutal some of the scenes in this are. This isn't for everyone despite how good it is. You need a strong stomach a bit. The best way I can describe this is it's a mixture of a Bronx's Tale, 70's style urban asetics, and Goodfellas combined in the setting of Rio. If you can stomach it defintely give this a watch.

Filme incrível, principalmente na narrativa e visualmente, muito injustiçado nas premiações que não recebeu!

Old movie but a must. You have to Watch for understand how, “las favelas” works.

Wonderful movie by Meirelles. Visually stunning and great storytelling.