Brilliant Masterpiece from Brazil

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2010)

"A kid? I smoke, I snort. I've killed and robbed. I'm a man."
Sometimes a movie comes along that is so unexpected and fresh that it takes a little while after viewing to realize what you've just watched. "City of God" is one of those movies. It will leave you with a feeling of utter satisfaction.
Based on a true story, "City of God" takes a look at the life of Buscapé aka Rocket, a kid from the slums as he attempts to survive. The journey covers two decades and depicts the true way of life in the ghettos of Rio de Janeiro including drugs, violence, politics and sex. Buscapé's ticket out of this hell is his undeniable skill as a photographer. He decides to begin snapping shots of the local gang activity which has uncertain repercussions. The local paper gets their hands on his photo's and so begins the second act of this film. Rocket works to get the "next big shot" all the while staying out of the gang leader's radar.
This is a violent movie but it is not overly so. It works with the atmosphere of the film and I found it a necessary aspect. Scriptwriter Bràulio Mantovani did a great job interpreting the book by Paulo Lins bringing a haunting reality to the characters. We not only hated some of the characters but also felt a very strong connection to them. A task not easily accomplished. Rocket, wonderfully played by Alexandre Rodriguez fights to keep out of the draw of drugs and crime. In fact, all of the actors did a great job. I was amazed how well they portrayed the inner battle between good and evil.
One of the best aspects of the film is in the photography. Cinematographer César Charlone and Director Fernando Meirelles used lots of dull browns, reds, blues and grays to pull the viewer into the setting of the slums. It worked magnificently contrasted with the vibrant soundtrack and the frantic editing. "City of God" goes full circle in the life of the gangsters, a feature I really enjoyed. I wasn't left with questions, something not found in a lot of current cinema.
All in all this is a masterpiece of film making. The characters, storyline, script, editing, direction and acting are all superb. It is yet another shining example of how foreign movies are some of the best in the business.