Stark reality: vicious, desperate, and triumphant

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2003)

Cidade de Deus is a portrait of Brazilian life on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, in the most downtrodden of places. From the euphemistic reference to the "City of God," to the stark reality of gang life, this film shocks and inspires terror in the casual viewer, who is often far removed from the world portrayed therin. People wanting to escape reality, those favoring pedantic Hollywood escapism, need not view this film.
If violence and poverty are the result of social neglect, then the protagonists of this film are the innocent victims. When children become predators, spurred by their own pursuit of power to escape social irrelevance, society becomes the victim. Alternatives, as the film demonstrates, exist, but they are far less compelling to neglected children than the life of crime.
It is insufficient to say that the direction, imagery, and cinematography are breathtaking, though they are. It is also insufficient to say that this film accurately portrays the desperation of inner city youth (wherever they may be) and their limited opportunities, though it does. It is equally insufficient to laud the actors, because one would swear that nary an actor graced the screen; these actors became their characters in a transubstantiative process more divine than any miracle.
What can be said, with absolute certainty, is that the film will challenge your comfortability with reality. Too far removed from the problems of the inner-city, and you will cry outrage for the "excessive violence." This film will wrestle with you intellect and your emotions, and force you to think about the world outside your door.