An authentic, gritty and gripping film, encapsulating the real life problems faced with living in the slums

Rating: 9/10 (3 June 2014)

City of God is based on the novel by Paulo Lins, which follows Rocket and his friends growing up in one of Brazil's most notorious slums. A hippie at heart, Rocket (played by Alexandre Rodrigues) made it his destiny to stay on the right side of the law and become a photographer, which would prove tough in a place where crime seemed the only option.
The co directors: Fernando Meirelles & Katia Lino have produced a masterpiece, which is both gripping and gritty. Spoken in the mother tongue of Portuguese, it leaves the foreign viewer reading subtitles, which although taxing at first, retains the integrity of the film, opposed to dubbing. Gratefully, the dialogue was kept to a minimum, with what seemed quality over quantity, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the story, which slowly unfolds itself through a series of tales within.
With Rocket as the narrator, the small stories lead onto the next seamlessly and ultimately to an action packed ending. Each character is well introduced, although there is none more memorable or scarier than the boss, Li'l Ze. Played by Leandro Firmino, in a standout performance, Li'l Ze needs no introduction, instantly portraying a role similar to Nicky Santoro in Casino, just more psychotic! In other words, exactly the sort of man you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, which unfortunately for some, was their fate.
It was his psychotic ways that set the precedence for everyone below him, making for some very violent scenes. This is where my one and only criticism lies. With a personal viewing tolerance to violence rather high, I found on one occasion in particular, feeling deeply saddened and disturbed. It was a scene involving the runts – a group of kids no older than thirteen, who partook in petty crime – and a dispute with Li'l Ze's gang, that ended badly for some of the runts. I'd have preferred it hadn't been included, but I understand its relevance. With the shooter no older than fifteen himself, it was an opportunity for his mettle to be tested. As the bullet fired, the camera thankfully focuses on the shooter's face, which is oozing with remorse, though through a tough exterior.
Knowing that this was based on a true story, made it even more harrowing to watch, but posed the question: how would I end up in a place like this? Would I have the courage to escape or would I too take the kill or be killed attitude?
As for the effects, the rustic, dark toned screenplay depicts the poverty better than any words could, as well as giving a coordinated retro feel to the era it's based in. Filmed in what looks like the real City of God of the 60s and 70s, graffiti lines the walls, potholes appear on every pavement, power lines sprawl uncontrollably between makeshift buildings and hoodlums vacate the shadows. In sheer contrast, beautiful beaches lie below, where life doesn't seem too bad.
If only Brazil's political, social and economical situation (which to this date brings masses to the streets in uproar) was as attractive as their seafront, places like the City of God would not have to exist, or at least not in such capacity.