Cidade de Deus (2002)

	Also Known As: City of God
	Year of first release: 2002
	Director: Fernando Meirelles
	Actors: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Seu Jorge
	Country: BR
	Genre: Drama, Action
	Conditions of visioning: 30.08.2013, DVD
Synopsis: Brazil, 1960's, City of God. The Tender Trio robs motels and gas trucks. Younger kids watch and learn well...too well. 1970's: Zé Pequeno has prospered very well and owns the city. He causes violence and fear as he wipes out rival gangs without mercy. His best friend Bené is the only one to keep him on the good side of sanity. Buscapé has watched these two gain power for years, and he wants no part of it. Yet he keeps getting swept up in the madness. All he wants to do is take pictures. 1980's: Things are out of control between the last two remaining gangs...will it ever end?
Review: The story give a deep view in the life of one favela of Rio de Janeiro. It shows the dilemma of the gangs to choose between stealing money to their own people and make them weaker or organising them to make them stronger. This is well done via both gang lead characters. It shows also the daily life of the people, who just try to live peacefully with their family and live honestly, and how they get involved in the business against their will. It shows also how the "good" society plays the game by encouraging the drug business even if on the other hand this society tries to show a red card against it. Very good scenery, with changing rythms (slow, fast) and atmospheres (violence, suspense, comedy) building the drama of life. On top of it, it is based on a real story. This gives also hope to get out of this City of God.
Rating: 8 /10