#20? I don't know about that.

Rating: 7/10 (14 May 2018)

There was nothing all terribly special about City of God, and I am almost tempted to call it overrated. Not to say that it is a bad movie, it just didn't seem like anything to go crazy over. Perhaps I just don't appreciate it, after all I'm not big into gangster movies, but I think I'm also a little too young to understand them. There were some unique things about the world of the movie, mostly generated from Rocket's commentary on the culture of the slum. I thought the scene where him and his friend go out to try to kill someone but everyone they meet is too cool to kill was fun, and it was oddly one of the more thematic moments of the movie. In a lot of ways, this movie is a lot like Slumdog Millionaire, though more than a little grittier. Personally, I liked Slumdog better, but there is definitely value in City of God. It shows the way that growing up in extreme poverty shapes the childhood of those who grow up in it, but also how one can escape from the slum. This is a pretty compelling subject matter, especially with the juxtaposition of Little Z, the worst of the products of the slums, with Rocket who manages to make a better life for himself by following his more heartfelt passions. What's really cool about that is that it's a cool story and doesn't feel like one at all. I had no idea it was based on real events at all until the end of the movie. Actually, as I am writing this, I am starting to gain a better appreciation for this movie.
The technical execution of this movie is somewhat notable, though not a master-class in any aspect of filmmaking. The writing is pretty good I suppose given that the movie is also pretty good, but it's definitely not flashy. I remember there being some unique cinematography and a couple of scenes that were shot in non-traditional ways. Something should be said for the fact that it seems to honestly and accurately portray a specific yet real culture and world that most moviegoers are unfamiliar with.
I would lightly recommend this to anyone. It's a violent crime movie, but there is a balance of light moments to make it easier to watch. Again, it's not overly light like Slumdog Millionaire, staying well in the bounds of the violent reality of its setting. However, there are a good amount of moments that focus on the characters and their emotions and even a couple moments that will make you laugh or at least smile. I doubt this will be your favorite movie, and it definitely isn't the most entertaining to watch, but if you sit on it you may come to like it. Overall Rating: 7.6/10