by Tom K

Mar 19, 2003

Unless you seriously dislike subtitles, the film is a must see. Loads of deep characters in an interesting setting. If the violence portrayed is accurate, it's eye opening and shocking. 

by George Jobson

Aug 19, 2003

Director Fernando Meirelles has directed a powerful film of hope and survival. The film is called "City of God." The film is written by Braulio Mantovani and it's based on the novel by Paulo Linbs, who knows his way around the "City of God," which is named for the slums outside Rio De Janerio. It is also based on the life of photographer Wilson Rodriguez. The center of this film is the character of Rocket who became a photographer inorder to get out of the slums. The film tells the tale of other gang members, who died before they got a chance to follow Rocket out of the slums. Director Meirelles' made this film with "Mean Streets" (1973) and "Goodfellas" (1990) in mind. both are directed by Martin Scorsese. I keep thinking of his works as I sat though this film. I admire this film very much. I know it's violent, but once you get past the violence and the language, you will remember the people in this film. People who are trying to survive on a daily basis. "City of God," is one special movie.