City of God
(2002)
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City of God
(2002)
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| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Alexandre Rodrigues | ... | ||
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Leandro Firmino | ... |
Zé Pequeno - Li'l Zé
(as Leandro Firmino da Hora)
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Phellipe Haagensen | ... | |
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Douglas Silva | ... | |
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Jonathan Haagensen | ... | |
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Matheus Nachtergaele | ... | |
| Seu Jorge | ... |
Mané Galinha - Knockout Ned
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Jefechander Suplino | ... |
Alicate - Clipper
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| Alice Braga | ... | ||
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Emerson Gomes | ... | |
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Edson Oliveira | ... | |
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Michel de Souza | ... |
Bené Criança - Young Benny
(as Michel De Souza Gomes)
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Roberta Rodrigues | ... | |
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Luis Otávio | ... | |
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Maurício Marques | ... |
Cabeção - Melonhead
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Brazil, 1960's, City of God. The Tender Trio robs motels and gas trucks. Younger kids watch and learn well...too well. 1970's: Li'l Zé 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. Rocket 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? Welcome to the City of God. Written by Jeff Mellinger <jeffmellinger@astound.net>
Wow, this is one of those different movies - meaning not run-of-mill by any means - and one of those which isn't pleasant to watch but one you might find yourself mesmerized by it.
This also is one of those "based on a true story" films which makes it even more shocking, if its mostly true. The story is of the many young (pre and early-teen) criminals inhabiting an area just outside the big city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It has the feel of a documentary with real-life street kids but is upgraded considerably by fantastic camera-work, some very innovative cinematography. In other words: stylish.
Make no mistake: without that stylish look, the film might be too much of a downer. The street kids are interesting but really brutal, so be prepared. I mean, how often do you see 12-year-old killers portrayed on film? The violence, language and drug use are rough in here and what a sad comment on this social problem in Brazil, a country with a huge problem with these street gangs. Overall, a very tough but fascinating film.