An incredible presentation of an existing violent reality

Rating: 9/10 (15 May 2011)

City of God is not only a true eye-opener to the horrors of criminal life in the "favelas" of Brazil, but the cinematography alone is enough to leave you on the edge of your seat, begging for more. Fernando Meirelles' use of lightening and shadows and filmed snapshots is incredible and augments the symbolism of the camera in Buscapé's life journey. I enjoyed how the film progressed in a novel-like fashion, imitating the book that it portrayed with various "chapters," each of which described a particular character's story. Likewise, the development of a large number of characters is sometimes too daunting to attempt in a 2-hour film, but I thought it was well accomplished in City of God. Finally, the plot itself was simply an amazing and stark depiction of the violent reality that exists in the Brazilian ghetto, to the point that murder became even a normal part of daily life for young children. That's certainly a thought to chew on for some time.