Violence within the slums

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2019)

In the City of God, the movie follows the violent events that occurred in the 70s and 80s in the slums of Rio De Janeiro as the town that is torn by drug lords fighting to establish their value and killing innocent individuals along the way. The movie begins with the main character, Rocket, walking with his camera as Li'l Dice's gang approach him while chasing after a chicken. As he is walking, the shots momentarily stop, and the sound of a camera shutter is heard. This non-diegetic sound is to emphasize Rocket's view from behind the camera as his interest in photography is a significant part of the plot. Also, the mise-en-scene makes it clear that events that will follow this scene will be laced with violence as the gang is chasing after a harmless chicken with guns. As the movie continues on, there is up-beat music throughout which reiterates the constant fast-pace of the events occurring. This is especially true when the gang members run to attack another group which allows the audience to experience the adrenaline that is driving their actions. The plot overall is intriguing because the movie follows the simple life of those living in the slums and the impact that the violence due to drugs has on them. Though a very violent movie, it is cinematically appealing as the characters do not shy away from showing full emotion such as when the young child was shot in the foot. The ending of the movie is intriguing when Knockout Ned was killed, as it is revealed that there was a sub-plot within the plot of the movie because the connection is made with the bank robbery that occurred before. This is the beginning of the end, as the gangs dwindle down as they fall victims to each other.