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Last updated: 19 Jul 2026 at 08:09 UTC

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Review of by David M — 27 Aug 2016

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A scary true to life story of the most dangerous neighborhood in the world in Rio de Janeiro. City of God is almost unrelentingly bleak in its depiction of the violence inherent to the populations that live destitute in these neighborhoods.

The film is only bearable because the episodic nature of the story keeps you from getting to attached to character so that when something terrible happens to them you function more as witness than directly linked to a protagonist.

There are enough glimmers of humanity to keep it from being oppressive, and light enough on its feet thanks to some Guy Ritchie level manicness from Fernando Meirelles. A tough watch, but definitely recommended.

This review of City of God (2002) was written by on 27 Aug 2016.

City of God has generally received very positive reviews.

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