Mean and cruel

Rating: 10/10 (5 June 2007)

I saw City of god two days ago on the national TV. I was shocked. For me it's more than massacre, that's what I read on a Hungarian site. The critic also said that poverty and violence are cheap export merchandise. It's good fuel for any film and keeps you in your seat. I can't argue with that. Definitely it kept me in my seat, but not only because it's extremely violent. The most important for me is atmosphere. And Cidade de Deus really has it. Pulls you in, and won't let go. I felt the choking air full of dust in the favella. The story is fast, the characters are great. Real? I don't think so. But it gives you a strong feeling, an impression about misery and you think: that's like when god leaves his children alone. If you watch closely you can find humor and irony.