One of the best crime movies

Rating: 10/10 (3 April 2008)

Inspired by true events, this is one of the best crime movies that I have come across. The beauty of it is in the impeccable subtlety with which shocking series of events are presented. They seem totally digestible.
City of Gods is a narrative movie based in the slums of Brazil. It is about children. Children who get guns in their hands at a tender age. They run around in groups looting and killing commoners and each other. Many of them die early and others die a bit later. Out of an array of brilliantly characterized people, 3 stand out. These are Little Ze(Leandro Firmino) who is main 'gangster', Benny(Phellipe Haagensen) his right hand, adviser, best friend, style guru and Rocket(Alexandre Rodrigues) the boy who narrates the story. All 3 do their best to survive through the unbelievably chaotic rush of wannabe gangsters all around them.
Not much is to be told about the story, cause it unfolds time and again with twists that add to the interest. The overall aura, locations that are used not only are very authentic, but blended with the colors and lighting, lend a very realistic and unpredictable touch to the story.
This is very distinct from the typical American crime movies. Its unique, well executed and definitely worth a watch.