Review of City of God (2002) by Marc R — 01 Feb 2016
"City of God" is probably the best film about crime since "Goodfellas," whose style it evokes. Like that film, it plunges headfirst into a criminal-run world w/ the same urgency, confidence, and energy.
This film is alive the way so few films are these days, aggressively edited, strikingly photographed, and powerfully acted. Meirelles' camera probes, dances, and whirls, capturing the slums of Rio de Janeiro in all its color, danger, and tragedy.
The script is also masterfully constructed, comprising of parallel stories and vignettes, going back and forth in time, and creating a large number of vividly drawn characters (some based on real people).
The film is deeply disturbing, but it is never less than compelling. In the end, its craft cannot be denied. To watch this film is to see a director at the peak of his powers.
This review of City of God (2002) was written by Marc R on 01 Feb 2016.
City of God has generally received very positive reviews.
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