Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Seu Jorge
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Rating:
Enetertainment Quotient: 50%
Genre: Crime/Mafia
Running time: 130 min
Language: Portuguese
MPAA rating: R for strong brutal violence, sexuality, drug content and language

Synopsis:
‘City of God’ (Cidade de Deus) is a dangerous slum area in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Lil’ Ze is a meek kid who is ignored by his friends. He becomes the don of the City of God. Rocket is a kid who stays away from evil doings. He prefers underpaid jobs to being a gangster. His passion is photography. At one point of time, Lil’ Ze harms a handsome ex military man Knockout Ned. The rest of the story is all about how knockout head makes a big difference and how Rocket realises his double dream of losing virginity and becoming a photojournalist.

What is special in the film?
This film is based on a real story and deals with the mafia of Brazil. The best things about the film are –

1. Raw portrayal of characters.
2. Intense yet natural performances by actors
3. Extraordinary camera work.
4. Crisp editing.
5. New type of narration pattern (by introducing a vital character and saying that ‘we will know more about him later’).
6. Classifying the film chapter wise.

The scenes I liked?

1. I liked the way the director introduced the ‘beginning of climax’ as the first shot in the film and had Rocket narrate the flashback in chapters.
2. I loved the introduction scene where a chicken escapes from the shop. The editing cuts are so fast that it makes you stop thinking and start following the montage of scenes.
3. The concept of runts taking over the mafia.
4. The characterisation of Knockout Ned.

Tailpiece: I have to be honest with you. When I watched this film three years back, I stopped the movie half way and returned the DVD as I felt the film is boring. A year later, I watched the film again and found it to be amazing. This is my third viewing of the DVD. This DVD is a must for all aspiring film directors. You can learn a lot from it. City of God is one of the best gangster films ever made!

Copycats: Sambhavami Yuge Yuge and Dhoolpet drew heavy inspiration from ‘City of God’, but both these films failed at box office.