It doesn't suffice to call "City of God" a Brazilian "Mean Streets".

Rating: 10/10 (17 October 2005)

"Cidade de Deus" (called "City of God" in English) knocks the breath out of you. This story of life in Brazilian slums makes you feel like you're in the slums with the characters. It follows Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) as he grows up in these places, and then joins a gang. You see, in these slums, either you join a gang or nothing ever becomes of you. So, Rocket is pulled through a world of drugs, violence, and every ugly thing that you can imagine; it's his only ticket out of complete isolation.
I figure that some people would jump to call "City of God" a Brazilian "Mean Streets". Methinks that such a description doesn't suffice. This movie is far more profane, far more graphic than "Mean Streets" (although they both treat the same kind of subject). Of course, it's extreme, no-holds-barred portrayal of the desperation and violence of this existence is what makes this movie so good. I think that Brazilian Pres. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva actually praised the movie for its accurate portrayal of life in the country's slums. I don't know the slums personally, but either way, prepare to have the breath knocked out of you.