A film to admire of a subject to despair

Rating: 10/10 (27 September 2003)

(spoilers) It doesn't take long for the irony inherent in the City of God's name to become apparent. This is an unflinching portrait of gang warfare in a Brazilian favela. It is a place crippled by competition for drug turf and in that competition life is shockingly worthless. Gun-squeamish viewers will not enjoy this film, as one of the key protagonists, Li'l Ze, emerges as one of cinema's most evil characters, dispensing with both ally and enemy with the carelessness of a child throwing away sweet wrappers. Any hope gleaned from the narrator, Rocket's, escape into a better world is diminished by the ease with which the baton of violence and worthlessness is passed onto the next generation at an age young enough for them to still be wetting their beds. Taut direction, fearless acting and beautiful cinematography make this a classic, but one that leaves the viewer in despair.