Nonstop action in City of God - (SPOILERS)

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2018)

Based on the notorious slums of Rio de Janeiro, City of God is an ironic film (due to the title and narrative) depicting the many struggles of violence that the kids have to live through day in and day out. The film goes through a full circle, scenes being shown back and forth between the past and future years. The persistent use of flashbacks certainly catch the viewers' attention in an extremely dynamic way. The main character, Rocket, narrates as himself experiencing the constant violence and vulgarity that is represented so meticulously. Rocket and his friends do not have a typical upbringing as most children - instead, they are consistently surrounded by vicious criminals who take pleasure in raping and murdering their victims. Lil' Dice and other hoodlums represent how the society views men in the film. Power is essential to these appalling individuals, and it is clear that they will do whatever they need to obtain the highest amount of control over the weaklings in the city. Despite the struggles of his upbringing in the City Of God, Rocket wants to be successful and make something out of his substandard life. His passion for photography is very well demonstrated throughout the film. The characterization of not only Rocket and his peers, but the criminals in the film as well, undoubtedly keeps the viewers on their toes constantly. The action is so relentless that it can be difficult to keep one's eyes away from the screen for even a moment. Being based in the 1960's, it is only fair to say that the editing of City Of God is subpar, however this is what makes the film so very compelling and it would not be as engaging if it was presented in a different way.