Unforgettable

Rating: 9/10 (26 July 2004)

City of God's central story revolves around two opposing drug-rings in the title city. These two rings, although related to one-another, divide the city in tyranny, gangs, wealth, power and in the end moral stance. These rings are run by Little Ze and Carrot, two hoods who have grown up murdering, stealing, and influencing others. Each ring is composed of kids, (infants really) teens, and young adults, all waiting to become the next Lord of their city.
Oddly enough, our narrator, our eyes throughout the movie, does not play much of a direct influence on either side of the war. He's definitely involved, but his story focusses on survival and choosing the correct path, one of individualism.
The style of this movie can only be described as cool. It is very much a product of the Tarrantino generation-and proof, once again, of North America's influences over other cultures. In a sense, the film is very much like the character Benny, who decides he wants to start looking `groovier' and more seventies-orientated. City of God dresses itself in the fashions of another culture in order to stand out amongst a crowd of replicates.
When we first see the story unravel through the 1960's, the rio slums are portrayed as a gold-saturated and content world, not luxurious or perfect, but still has a chance for hope. By the end of this film, it is tinted blue, gritty, puddles of blood cover the concrete. It is no place to be alone.
We are tied to the story by one neutral character, Rocket, who, although inactive through most of the film, is the most empathetic since he never pulls a trigger. He is virtually the only character to not take the life of another.
Roger Ebert described the film as a masterpiece, `One of the best films you'll ever see!' Of course this is a very bold statement, but City of God is definitely a movie you will remember.
If there's one thing that makes this movie so unforgettable, it is the dramatic reality we witness. Using real people that more or less act as themselves, directors Katia Lund and Meirelles have created a documentary in the sense that what we see happened and continues to happen in slums like this all over the world.