City of God (Cidade de Deus) review


co-directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund 

Starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino da Hora, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Alice Braga, and Seu Jorge. 


The City of God is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling films I have ever watched. Spanning over the course of two decades it tells the tale of the intertwining lives of a group of Brazilian teens growing up in the crime-ridden slums of Rio de Janeiro. It's one of those rare films in which every element of its narrative perfectly flows together to result in a conclusion that's beyond satisfying. 


The Handling of this film's ensemble and themes is what propels the City of God to be a master class of storytelling in the Cinematic form. The theme most prevalent throughout the film is the lust for power. Power and Ambition are what drive this entire film, every one of its lead characters is ultimately on their own ambitious journey towards a position of power be it intentional or a situation they find themselves thrown in. An element that impressed me most was the firm's ability to use every one of its main ensembles to counteract each other's traits and motives. Storytelling aside, the decision to keep the film’s style to a gritty grounded level adds to the brutality of the story being told. 


Often keeping the cinematography to a more handheld and personal level really enhances that this is not a story to be glorified through a sense of style over substance. The city of God continuously puts substance first with no second thoughts. Coupled with perhaps one of the greatest ensembles in recent memory with many of the actors either first-timers or very inexperienced it really added to keeping this film as realistic as possible. With many of the actors still living in the actual City of God, it never felt like these actors were here for the purpose of reading a script and often made the film feel almost documentary-like. This film for me is one of my favourites of all time and has deservedly earned its place among the world's best. This really is one of those films that everyone should watch. 


This is why we go to the movies. 10/10

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