Review of City of God (2002) by Tony P — 25 Nov 2017
2003 Brazilian film. The title of which refers to a Rio de Janiero housing project that in reality evolves into a poverty stricken slum.
The film is characterised by fast edits and hand held camera work to bring the gritty slum life to the screen. Along with a selection of firearms.
The slums are a contradiction to the choreographic nature of recent high profile international sporting events to the city.
The story we are told is based on true events and follows the path of two characters. Buscope/Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) who avoids a life of criminality and Lil'Ze (Leandro Firmino da Hora) who becomes an ever violent gangster.
The story is told partly by narration from Rocket and we are told is his version of events.
The story is filled with extreme violence that at times had me confused as to who was shooting who.
Twenty years or so later the cycle repeats with the next generation of slum kids from the City Of God taking up arms and using them.
The film is foreign language and like many I have seen is top drawer.
This review of City of God (2002) was written by Tony P on 25 Nov 2017.
City of God has generally received very positive reviews.
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