Lord of the Flies in Portugese.

Rating: 10/10 (10 September 2003)

I saw this film at a Miramax-sponsored screening last night in Beverly Hills, of all places. What juxtaposition.
This film, set in the slum/favela "City of God" outside Rio, portrays life in its belly with the unblinking eye of a documentary. The film is, at times, so unbearable to watch (violence against children, perpetrated by children) that you wonder what they "did" to the child to evoke such a realistic performance. The thought turns my stomach.
This is not a film for the faint of heart, and I will agree with many of the other reviewers in acknowledging the Tarantino influence. Clearly, directors K & F have seen "Pulp Fiction". However, what they acheive is something on another level. Not saying it's a better level, just another level. They make this story, these people, REAL.
The audience at the Miramax screening was comprised of filmmakers, writers, actors. We know the tricks used to depict violence, blood, and gore. This film was so successful in hiding the tricks that many audience members were slackjawed and gasping at the sight of the violence. It does not look fake. It is disturbing, gory, and nauseating - particularly in light of the young cast.
That being said, this film is something like "Lord of the Flies" set in the Brazilian slum. Epic, moving, haunting, Shakespearian. Hats off to the filmmakers, especially to the camera, makeup, and wardrobe departments who facilitated the ambience that made the story and the violence so believable & compelling.
This is not an easy film to watch, and I hesitate recommending it to the casual viewer. However, it is a real gem, and deserves serious consideration at Oscar time in the Best Foreign Film category. Miramax did a great service to this film by starting Academy screenings so early. Look at the buzz - well-deserved.