Gripping Crime/Gangster film

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 2008)

Loud music, joyful screams, and fascinating cinematography drew me in to 'City of God' from the off. Although i did wonder what sort of 'urban crime/gangster' film this as the first scene involved a chase through the slums of Brazil involving a chicken and what i consider toddlers. The film soon picked up to harsh crime film that i was expecting.
Being a fan of 'crime/gangster' i have seen many films from this genre. Although they were either Guy Ritchie style British films such as 'Lock Stock..' and 'Football Factory'. Or American gangster films such as 'Boys in the Hood' and 'Goodfellas'. I am a big fan of these films but 'City of God was definitely something new.
Director's Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund taught me something i didn't know, a lifestyle i wasn't aware of. A complicated script that is easy to follow tells the stories of two young boys who follow different directions. One who becomes a major drug dealer, and the main 'Rocket' who has always dream't of being a photographer.
Giving up on this dream knowing it will never happen 'Rocket' seems to be following the path of many young men as a gangster or a hood, which many of the boys view as a glamorous life. The story is told through a couple of generations of brothers which helps to tell the story. The story is hard to explain, and being this a review... i believe that the film could have been a flop. i feel this because it is based in a place that a wide range of the audience can relate too, its in Portuguese, and is a complicated story line. But somehow i believe these make it a better film.
The viewer learns so much about he characters and where they live. You cannot relate to where they live but i can relate to why they fight. For money, in revenge for loved ones and to stay alive. Which is something everyone would strive for.
And although i believe it is a complicated storyline, with a range of characters and 'goings on'. The way the film is written, filmed and organised the film was easy to follow. And at the same time very powerful to watch.
An iconic scene from the film is where Li'l Dice and his gang have a 2 small children cornered. The small children have to decide whether they are to be shot in the foot or the hand. The both weep and choose hand... which leads Li'l Dice to shot them both in the foot. This scene is very moving and emotional.
I believe this scene represents the film. Brutality, intimidation and violence. But do not be put off by that. The film breath taking.
My favourite scene is at the end. when the young, influenced children believe they now run the city. They are walk off into the distance- a shabby alleyway- talking arguing about who they should kill and who gets to do it. I think this is almost comical and funny as these children are acting there age arguing over who gets to do what. But at the same time talking about such a adult subject that children their ago should not even know about
All in all i believe that 'City of God' is one of the most gripping, exciting, moving and powerful films i have this year. It takes crime films to new level. Using diversity and powerful images to create new emotions i have never felt when watching a crime film
I look forward to watching the follow up 'City of Men', and i hope it lives up to its predecessor.