Depressing with a slight ray of hope

Rating: 9/10 (15 May 2011)

City of God tells the story of two young boys growing up in a violent neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro: Lil Ze who becomes a gangster and Rocket who becomes a photographer. It is not an easy movie to watch as it addresses some very difficult themes. Throughout the film we see horrible gang violence that exists in the world among children as young as five and six years old. The children in the city are exposed to guns and drugs before they even learn how to read and it becomes the only thing they know. The violence and treachery unfold in what is filmed as a party-like atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of indifference among the gangsters for the viewer. The movie was filmed on the streets of Rio with hand-held cameras and a cast that includes many unprofessional actors which makes it appear incredibly authentic, allowing the viewer to understand the reality of the situation. Although the film makes it clear that such a cycle of violence is difficult to escape, it gives the viewer some sense of hope in the resolution of Rocket's story when he proves that escape is a viable possibility.