City of God Movie Review (2002)

photo courtesy of bucknell.edu

Anyone who has seen the infamous “Slumdog Millionaire” will appreciate this movie. Based on a true story, “City of God,” directed by Fernando Meirelles, is an exhilarating and mesmerizing film that gives an insight into the world of the gritty Rio de Janeiro slums (favelas) and the children and families that reside in them, over a 20-year period. The story of the “City of God” is told through the eyes of and narrated by Rocket, played by Alexandre Rodrigues.

The opening scene entails the native music of pounding drums and a horde of screaming slumdogs chasing a runaway chicken through the streets; we see Rocket, surrounded by armed cops on one side and an armed street gang on the other. Suddenly, there is a pause, it’s the 60’s and a younger Rocket is playing soccer. This is the beginning of the story behind “City of God.”

This Brazilian epic goes full circle, just as the violence it portrays. We witness the birth of the slums when the poor were forced to move to the city’s outskirts. Petty crimes and robbing became the norm due to the poverty and forced isolation. No one really took the crimes seriously, they seemed to be somewhat harmless until vicious murders take place in a brothel by Lil’ Dice, the youngest member (or runt) of a gang; he later becomes Lil’ Ze, the reigning godfather of the slums and this is where drugs and weapons are introduced in the story and the seeking of power begins.

Gang wars, police corruption, drugs and violence are run rampant and in the midst of it all, Rocket fights to ensure that his environment does not claim him; in the “City of God,” the temptation and desperation drives children to commit outrageous violent acts. Crime seems to be the only option in slums. Throughout the film, Rocket’s fear and his instinct for self-preservation, guides him to walk the straight and narrow. He attempts to win a woman’s heart, enjoys the beach from time to time and strives to be a photographer/reporter, but this is no easy task in his surroundings.

All remains to be seen.

Now, for my take on the movie as a whole, superb! The use of color and light was amazing. During the 60’s the use of bright colors provide a sense of nostalgia, while provoking a lucent outlook on the future. Outside of the 60’s, and the little bit of light shown during the 70’s beach scenes, darkness dominates the film until the end. Another element that really stands out is the acting in this movie; a largely non-professional cast was recruited from the streets. In my opinion, using an authentic cast assists the film in keeping true to its origins; barbarity, greed, and hood vs. hood wars. By and large, you need to add this film to your “must-see” list.

GRADE: B+

Take a look at the movie trailer below. (IE users click here)