Review

Rating: 9/10 (7 October 2019)

The film was something very unexpected and interesting. I did not think that it would be something that I would enjoy or even think to watch. It made me question many things in society and within my own life. We live in a very sheltered society and it might make us more desensitized to the struggles of people across the world. We start to think in terms of "us vs. them".
This film was very eye opening to the struggles of those involved in gang violence. It was so easy for people to get dragged into the problems. Even young children were not spared from this battle zone. Their naivety is taken advantage of and exploited for the gain of the gang leaders. It was heartbreaking to watch some of the scenes due to the intense violence shown towards such young people. People got involved regardless of their personal beliefs because their loved ones might be involved in it somehow even if they would like to avoid it. This cycle of gang violence and frequent change in leadership led/ leads to many problems.
The film itself was very aesthetically pleasing visually and the storyline was built very well. I particularly enjoyed the visuals of the town itself during the 1970's. The color was very soft and the essence seemed more clean. The colors become more dark when the storyline became more current. This may have been to symbolize the darkness that was present within Li'l Ze. When the tender trio were in the city of God, there was more peace and tranquility in comparison to when Li'l Ze "took over".
This film was one of those things that will most likely stick with me for years to come. It will make me see the world in a new light.