A genuine masterpiece! ... A must see!

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2005)

Never yet had I seen such a movie with all of the elements that I want in a movie, until I had seen this one. Who would've thought that it would come in a foreign film, or in a true story? "City of God" ( "Cidade de Deus" ) is the story of a teenage boy living in one of Rio de Janeiro's slums, and he dreams of becoming a photographer. The boy's name is Rocket ( Buscape, in Portuguese ), and little does he know that his passion for photography would allow him to take his camera and look at his world through the eyes of a journalist who is able to capture on film what so many reporters had been craving for so long but were not able to capture. ... It's interesting that Rocket also is the narrator of his story throughout the movie.
But, even though Rocket is the main focus, it is not only his story. It's also the story of two other main characters: Little Ze, who is a ruthless kid who grows up to become the boss of the slum. And Knockout Ned, who is the very opposite of everything that Little Ze stands for. The two eventually butt heads, and all hell breaks loose.
The fates of the characters in this movie prove to be never what you would expect, and their stories will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end! Shot in the actual slums not far from where the story really happened, using mostly local amateur actors whom had never been in front of a camera ( also from these slums ), this movie is directed so brilliantly that it makes you feel like you are right in the thick of the story. ..... It's tastefully done; not over the top with gore, while at the same time effective enough to get its point across.
The movie always has you guessing, because just when you think you know what is going to happen next, usually it's something very different. ..... Also, the strategic use of flashback scenes to fill in the gaps of the story is a very nice touch.
Along with an original soundtrack album which I feel is just as fantastic as the movie, the "City of God" movie will keep you on the edge of your seat from the get-go. In a setting of the period from the late 1960's to the late 1970's, the performances of this mostly under-21 cast is simply amazing, and very convincing ( especially considering the the majority of them are not professionals ).
Also, one nice thing about the movie, is that you seem to notice one more thing in the movie with each additional viewing that you didn't notice in the previous viewing. Whether that was purposely done that way, or strictly a coincidence, either way it was a nice bi-product of an already great movie. ... To notice something new each time you watch the same movie is always a nice thing! To say anymore, I would have to spoil some of it. So, I'll just say ____ If you want to see a movie that really makes you feel, a movie that you want to tell your friends about, a movie that will leave you wondering what has become of the characters in the present day, and a movie that you will definitely not forget, "City of God" is definitely a movie for you! If you see this movie, please contact me. I'd love to talk with someone else who has seen it!
Thanks! .... John Smith, Canton, Ohio, USA .... johnsmith2022@yahoo.com