In the 1960s the Brazilian government moved the homeless and other undesirables into new communities with little in the way of prospects or infrastructure. Crime was a way of life for many.
City of God follows the parallel careers of two young men growing up in one such slum over the course of ten or so years.
Rocket tries to stay out of trouble and only wants to lose his virginity and become a photographer. Ze is a psychotic who wants to be boss of the entire favella and ruthlessly kills anyone who stands in his way.
For a time, Ze's desire to take over the territory of another gang leader, Carrot, is kept in check by Benny, his childhood friend but an altogether more sympathetic and human figure.
But when Benny is accidentally gunned down at his farewell party, there is nothing to stop Ze from starting an all out war that quickly turns the neighbourhood into a battlezone.
City of God is "an urgent ticker tape from Hell" of a film.
It's clear that these people are basically fucked no matter what they do. 99 per cent of them will never leave the favella alive. Many try to keep their heads down and noses clean, but stray bullets and random acts of senseless violence do their thing.
Comparisons with Goodfellas and Boyz in the Hood may be apt, yet you half suspect that a Joe Pesci or Ice Cube would have a cap in his ass within minutes of arrival.
The frantic direction and incredibly naturalistic performances are astounding, drawing you into completely and are bolstered by a well-chosen soundtrack.
Criticism is irrelevant. Maybe the film doesn't offer much in the way of socio-economic analysis. But does it really need to? Talk is cheap when people are dying.
Welcome to hell.
Copyright © K H Brown 2002-2005
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