You will thank your life after watching this

Rating: 10/10 (12 December 2010)

'City of God' also known as Cidade de Deus is not just an ordinary foreign language film. It is one of those 'the' movies out of the several which I have seeing related to gangsters and drugs. I may call it the Brazil version of the 'Godfather' or 'Slum Dog Millionaire' not just for its style of storytelling or the mere similarities in the plot, but for how great those movies were. What's bonus for 'City of God' out of all is that it's based on true events. And realizing that such incidences have taken place and such societies exist is a good enough reason for you to be thankful for your life what you enjoy.
Taking place in 70's in Rio de Janeiro 'City of God' is a story of two kids who grow up in the gang torn drug addict part of the city where violence is another way of living. From their childhood what kids want to become is some kind of a gangster and carry a gun. Starting from small crimes like theft and evolving up to massive scale drug dealing and murder, the story evolves between the two kids who chose to take different paths. Buscape aka Rocket chooses to live a normal life away from the gangsters and become a photographer and the other Ze Pequeno aka Li'l Ze starts the gang business from a tender age before 10. Even though it's simply said in one line the events they face in their life from being a kid to young men is not easy to digest.
Incorporated with young yet very energetic cast 'City of God' is a wonder of performance and acting. And when it comes to story telling the movie does it pretty fast and sometimes you might slip out of the names and the background stories but it's essential to catch up to them. Especially when you run with subtitles! However every scene adds value to the story and the background information provided.
I'm very much certain that 'City of God' is not the ordinary gang movie which you may see coming out every week. Its unique and it will keep a mark in your history of movies. You may hardly find it in the video stores these days as foreign language movies are seldom. Grab it the very first opportunity you get. You will not be disappointed.