DAVIDHERSH

City of God is about two kids growing up in a violent, gang-ridden slum of Rio de Janeiro. One of them becomes a drug dealer, and the other a photographer. The movie, based on actual people and events, follows them from childhood in the 60s to early adulthood in the 80s.

I thought the movie was brilliant. Right off the bat though, you should know that it is very violent. While the violence isn't necessarily graphic (although it is at times), it's very real and very emotional. This isn't the over-the-top violence of an Arnold movie that you can detach yourself from. This is real violence, mostly being perpetrated by young kids upon other young kids. There are touching moments, humorous moments, but the story is gritty and raw.

You see the film mostly through the eyes of the budding photographer, Rocket. Having just watched Goodfellas (for the 872nd time) the night before, I noticed a similarity to the way the story was told and shot. Despite that comparison, though, watching City of God often feels more like watching a documentary than a glamorized mafia movie. While not completely devoid of inspirational/uplifting moments, the movie is mostly about the hopelessness of the situation.

Unless you really don't have a tolerance for violence (no, Tracy did not like this movie), I would highly recommend this movie.