Rating: 
Summary: beautifully merciless
Review: this is one of the most amazing pieces of cinematography i have ever seen. it is beautifully shot and put together including still frames and interweaving stories to give the true passion and emotions that rule the gangwarfare and overall life of the slums in rio. the actors although are hardly known deliver their roles so well that it is hard to think that it's just a film and not actually really happening there in front of you. the honesty of the narration and the fact we see the lives of the characters evolving makes us feel like we could really be living their lives with them. it draws you in like no other film has ever done because you see both sides of the war and can really appreciate yet never fully know the hardship that many people have to face daily. it is almost impossible not have loyalty to the lives of the young hoodlums we are introduced to and love immediately; especially the infamous trio whose smooth talking and childlike innocence in their petty crimes will win you over instantly. A hood never stops they just take a break, this film never stops enticing and enthralling you it takes a break. each story is separated by freeze frames alowing you to contemplate on the last and prepare for the next even more brutal scene. I dont think it's fair to compare it to films such as goodfellas just because it too is spread over a large time period as i feel that Cidade de Deus is like no other. it is one of my favourite films that i've ever seen due to its ruthless honesty in portraying the slums in brazil and because of the simple yet stunning camera work and direction. Its not like other films that try to reflect the lives and harsh reality for people in the world, it really captures the passionate characteristics of the hispanic culture and the soundtrack just adds to this emotive piece of cinema.
The frantic and precarious lives are revealed to us decade by decade whilst throwing in extra shots from the past which suddenly help us to piece together all the events as the storyline evolves. I don't have one bad thing to say about this film it was electric yet calming, perilous and urgent and altogether absolutely beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: City of God - a vicious pursuit for a better life...
Review: In the 50s and 60s outside Rio de Janeiro the Brazilian government isolated the poor by building a huge ghetto a distance from Rio de Janeiro. The ghetto turns into a sizeable city that continues to grow as more people are bussed into the poverty of the area. The film pushes a message of where there is poverty there are also dreams of something better. The two common means to achieve these dreams are either hard work or escape of the cruel reality through drugs. The later choice is the common alternative as it is easier to obtain and offers a quick fix to the problem, since hard work that pays enough to escape the ghetto is difficult to find. As the story begins, the audience is introduced to the young boy Buscapé, the narrator, whose brother is a member in a small gang called The Tender Trio. Buscapé tells a tale of the how ideas lead to the quest for the "better something" as The Tender Trio seeks the holy grail through robbery. However, these robberies seems futile as the real money lays with those who control the drugs. As drugs become more accessible the drug dealers begin to control their own territories, and in Buscapé's story the greed for more leads to a bloody path lined with murder and tragedy. Through Buscapé the audience is enlightened about the birth of violence which is related to the drugs and greed in the city called the City of God. City of God is a strong and disturbing film as it depicts young children being victims of the violence or as the actual assailants as the gangs demands the loyalty. In addition, the films message is enhanced by terrific cinematography and a well written story, which is based on true events and individuals. City of God offers a brilliant cinematic experience that will not escape the mind of the audience as it pulls the audience through a painful story that continues to take place in the ghetto outside Rio de Janeiro where one person dies every 30 minutes from violence.
Rating:
Summary: A stunning glimpse into an urban hell
Review: "City of God," directed by Fernando Meirelles, is set in a crime-plagued slum of Rio. The story of illegal drug trafficking and vicious gang warfare is told through the eyes of Rocket, a young slum dweller who aspires to be a photographer. This film is sort of like "The Godfather" meets "The Lord of the Flies" in Brazil. Meirelles' story crackles with a Tarantinoesque energy. Music is used effectively to complement the film. Also effective is how the story shifts back and forth in time as portraits of the slum dwellers are created. Meirelles achieves scenes of real visual poetry and beauty in this harsh setting. This film is not for the squeamish; it features scenes of shocking violence, much of it committed by or against young children. The very large cast delivers outstanding performances. Touching on themes of friendship, ambition, urban corruption, and escaping one's environment, this is a truly striking film.
Rating:
Summary: No city of angels
Review: "I resisted the video," Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein said. As usual, he got his way. The DVD release date for this stunning film about young hoodlums living and dying in the slums of Rio de Janeiro has been pushed back four months, until June 8. Weinstein can't be blamed for wanting Fernando Meirelles' film to find its audience in theaters: "City of God" is one of the year's best, with an audacious visual style that demands a big screen. Those who must wait for the DVD will find first-rate images and audio that capably delivers the big-beat soundtrack. Best supporting feature: A test copy of the DVD included only one extra, but it's outstanding. The hourlong Brazilian TV documentary "News From a Personal War" surveys the real "City of God" turf, interviewing gangsters, police and innocents about civil warfare in the favelas. "There is no solution," the police chief says; "The war will never end," a young gangster vows. Documentary footage of slum shootouts will make believers of those unconvinced by "City of God's"nonstop violence.
Rating:
Summary: Truth at its finest
Review: Good amatuer acting, unique director, and a raw truth make this movie an excellent choice for rental. After complaints I have seen that this may be some sort of exaggeration, I want to make it clear that, growing up in Colombia (the world's most murderous country), this movie depicits the horrors of gang violence in the slums like no other. The way out of poverty without crime is seen by very few, and neighborhoods such as "city of god" and the entire metropolis of medellin colombia, having murder rates about 6 times that of Compton, California, this is the sad truth of violence in 3rd world countries. that being said, this is not a depiction of all of brazil, as many seem to complain about. it is instead a depcition of violence in brazil, but the beauty of it is not the subject of the movie. the acting is superb for amateurs and the plot consumed me with its realism and intesity.
Rating:
Summary: City of God
Review: One of the best movies I have ever seen. A must see. It sucks that the director has to go up against Peter Jackson for best Director in the oskers.
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie of the year
Review: Easily one of the greastest movies i have ever seen. the editing and cinematography is incredible. i will be very upset if this movie does not recieve an oscar.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful and brutal
Review: This is a powerful little film focusing on the brutality and inescapable circle of violence that plagues the ghettos of Brazil. When I watched this film, I literally kept on saying "Oh no" every ten minutes. It's hard to stomach watching children killing children. But the filmmakers never trivialize or romanticize the violence. Every action has a severe reaction in this movie. It's heartbreaking from beginning to end. However the film is peppered with moments of truth and beauty as we follow our young protagonists through their violent reality. Remember all those urban "hood" movies from the 90's? This film, with one mighty strike, puts all those to pitiful shame.
Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I'VE EVER SEEN!
Review: This movie doesn't show nothing even close to what the local tabloids show every day. Violence in the slums and projects is by far uglier than anything portrayed in this movie. I could only pay attention to the well tied plot, the breathtaking editing and photography, the irresistible cast and direction, the tremendous well tied script and... the music!!! Brazilian music, stupendous as always!! City of God, what a combination of talent! It will be a shame if Hollywood gives the Oscar of best direction for that nice, but sugary and pretentious flick from Copolla's daughter. I loved that movie, but after seeing City of God I start to think... rich people's life are boring, so what? six out of five stars
Rating:
Summary: A "City" where angels fear to tread
Review: Mystifying, compelling, precisely provocative. Whatever term one comes up with, not even one or a thousand words can describe this art house masterpiece. "City of God"'s premise is likely to leave anyone who sees it feeling both stunned and awe-struck by the movie's end. Anyone who has ever been to Rio De Janeiro is immediately taken in by its colorfully cosmopolitan class and charm (including the city's most dominant statue of a familiar religious figure). But, many a visitor to one of Brazil's most populous cities rarely, if ever, gets to see the "hidden" Rio - one that is filled with a decaying sense of despair and hopelessness. Its slums are an obvious reminder that the poorest of the poor who reside in this bastion of purgatory, are faced with the harsh realities of drugs, gangs and brutal warfare, with the chances of gaining prosperity through honest means, such as getting an education, and a good paying job as a result, becoming a slim to none proposition all the moreso. The only chance at which the subjects of "City of God" have at a shot of prosperity, is if they obey the laws of this ghetto - remaining in gangs, begging, borrowing and stealing to put food on the table, and clothes on their backs. The surprising aspect of "City of God", is the striking realism conveyed in the film. The camouflaged expanse of the dilapidated rows of houses stretched out to the horizon in a ruralized setting, far away from the hustle and bustle of the urbanized Rio, adds to the film's virtual display of realism. The "third-world" street scenes provide the valiant crowning touch to the movie's expanded physical portfolio, giving such scenes a "Beirut meets West Side Story" feel to them. In conclusion, "City of God" is an excellent case study to show our country's junior high and high school students how not to make choices that could end up in death and self-destruction, and should be required viewing (despite the heavy degree of adult-oriented scenes and language contained within) as to help students see their way though the jungle of life, hopefully on the road to a better existence as a result. After a viewing of this picture, you'll be able to see why "City of God" has been nominated for a total of four Academy Awards for Best Picture, as many a viewer and critic alike have given this particular "City" a thumbs-up rave. A sure-to-be art house favorite in 2004, "City of God" is pure cinematic gold!
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