City of God (2003)

It would be rather cheap to tag City Of God "the South American Goodfellas", as if every region of the world is somehow entitled to at least one gangster masterpiece in the freewheeling Scorsese tradition. (Where, you might ask, is the British Goodfellas?) However, since the audience for a two-hour-plus Brazilian movie might not show without some strong encouragement, let's make this clear: City Of God is the South American GoodFellas.

There was nothing all terribly special about City of God, and I am almost tempted to call it overrated. Not to say that it is a bad movie, it just didn't seem like anything to go crazy over. Perhaps I just don't appreciate it, after all I'm not big into gangster movies, but I think I'm also a little too young to understand them. There were some unique things about the world of the movie, mostly generated from Rocket's commentary on the culture of the slum. I thought the scene where him and his friend go out to try to kill someone but everyone they meet is too cool to kill was fun, and it was oddly one of the more thematic moments of the movie. In a lot of ways, this movie is a lot like Slumdog Millionaire, though more than a little grittier. Personally, I liked Slumdog better, but there is definitely value in City of God. It shows the way that growing up in extreme poverty shapes the childhood of those who grow up in it, but also how one can escape from the slum. This is a pretty compelling subject matter, especially with the juxtaposition of Little Z, the worst of the products of the slums, with Rocket who manages to make a better life for himself by following his more heartfelt passions. What's really cool about that is that it's a cool story and doesn't feel like one at all. I had no idea it was based on real events at all until the end of the movie. Actually, as I am writing this, I am starting to gain a better appreciation for this movie.The technical execution of this movie is somewhat notable, though not a master-class in any aspect of filmmaking. The writing is pretty good I suppose given that the movie is also pretty good, but it's definitely not flashy. I remember there being some unique cinematography and a couple of scenes that were shot in non-traditional ways. Something should be said for the fact that it seems to honestly and accurately portray a specific yet real culture and world that most moviegoers are unfamiliar with.I would lightly recommend this to anyone. It's a violent crime movie, but there is a balance of light moments to make it easier to watch. Again, it's not overly light like Slumdog Millionaire, staying well in the bounds of the violent reality of its setting. However, there are a good amount of moments that focus on the characters and their emotions and even a couple moments that will make you laugh or at least smile. I doubt this will be your favorite movie, and it definitely isn't the most entertaining to watch, but if you sit on it you may come to like it. Overall Rating: 7.6/10

Great Picture. I believe the true lure of this movie is that, it shows the dystopic underworld that can come to pass when seemingly normal people has no espace from poverty. The decisions that come after, consciously made by these normal people can be very obtuse and because it shows us ourselves in this kind of light and getting you lured into the picture, it does it's job of truly telling a epic story. Doesn't get enough credit.

This movie is a real gem. It is about as near perfection as any movie can be. The story and writing are superb, with fantastic direction, and the acting is amazing. Really the entire cast is impeccable. I can't recommend this one highly enough. The only warning I have is that it obviously is not good for family/children viewing because of the violence and subject matter involved. But what a great story and movie this is! Riveting.