An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind

Rating: 10/10 (8 May 2014)

Captivated for 130 minutes. I was riveted and couldn't take my eyes of the screen, constantly wondering what was going to happen next. It was so real and raw that you do not think that these are actors at all, they are dregs in the slums of Rio De Jeniro. I am convinced that Lil' Ze is in fact a homicidal gangster thirsty for power who will do anything to keep control and his rule with an iron fist, or brass knuckles. Throughout this whole movie you will see the pattern: for every action is a reaction...tit for tat, you killed my brother now I'm gonna f*ck you over, you insult me I'm going to humiliate you, you killed my Dad now I'm gonna join this gang and exact revenge. Overtones of power struggle and egoism that plague humanity on the deepest levels not just in the ghetto's of Brazil but here in present day Detroit or New Orleans, Atlanta, LA, etc. As many were killed in City Of God, what did it solve? Nothing, in the end, the two "leaders" were both dead and a new younger gang took over and someone will probably off them and a new more virile gang will replace the last and so on and so on. It's a vicious cycle that youth get caught in but the one boy was able to break the cycle and use his mind instead of fist and become a photographer. Great story and cast. Cannot find one flaw. Edgy true life drama.