This movie lacks sensibility? Unfortunately, so does reality.

Rating: 10/10 (9 July 2008)

I read many comments complaining that this movie doesn't do much to make you care about the characters and therefore doesn't connect you emotionally with the plot. I just want to point out that this lack of sensibility doesn't represent a flaw from the director or the script. Do you really think that people who grow up trying to be constantly high on drugs to escape reality, struggling to survive and numbed down by the omnipresent violence manage to become very sensitive or deeply caring? Unfortunately not. As a Brazilian who had his share of experience with violence, it's clear to me that the state of mind in which these "gangsters" live don't leave much space for meaningful emotional development. I am sure the director wanted to show us how does it feel to be there and how small is the presence of sanity and hope (portrayed mostly by Rocket) amidst the chaos; and the fundamental importance to nurture them.
If you can't feel connected to the raw emotions that drive the characters in this movie, that might just mean that you don't understand it because your life isn't so chaotic or hopeless. It doesn't mean that these emotions are any less powerful or that they are not present to some extent in each one of us.
In my opinion this is one of Brazil's most important achievements. It's a powerful portrait of society that should be watched by anyone who wants to broaden its view on the world and then learn to care more about it. Our society needs movies like this to shake us off our numbness and indifference. And as a movie it's incredibly well-done, entertaining and clever. I am very proud that this movie has been made and I try to show it to everyone I care about. I would also like to praise the German synchronization of the movie. While I mostly prefer subtitles, due to the frantic nature of City of God, a good synchronization allows those who don't understand Portuguese to focus on the acting and cinematography. And the German voices really captured the spirit of the characters. I was really impressed.
Don't miss out on the chance to watch it, and if it disturbs you, that's a good thing. It means that you care. And that's the first step towards change.