In the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.In the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.In the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.
- Nominated for 4 Oscars
- 75 wins & 50 nominations total
Leandro Firmino
- Zé Pequeno
- (as Leandro Firmino da Hora)
Michel Gomes
- Bené Criança
- (as Michel De Souza Gomes)
Kiko Marques
- Cabeção
- (as Maurício Marques)
- Directors
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured review
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.
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.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Mar 5, 2006
- Permalink
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen we hear Buscapé (Alexandre Rodrigues) talking to Marina (Graziella Moretto) about how "he never took a hot bath", that was not scripted. Actually, that was Rodrigues and Moretto talking off camera, during a pause in the shooting, when the boy (who lived on the slums) was telling her about his life.
- GoofsLil' Ze is taken into custody by the police, Rocket runs after the police truck. The Police truck passes by a late - model Chevrolet S10, black, circa 2001. The movie is set in the seventies.
- Crazy creditsThe closing credits shows pictures of the main actors, their name, their character's name and pictures of the real life characters (for the ones based on existing people).
- Alternate versionsThe Indian Censor Board nonsensically deleted the visuals of frontal nudity in the motel scene and the dialogue of a woman talking about her sexual experiences for an 'A' (adults) rating.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: The Best Films of 2002 (2003)
- SoundtracksAlvorada
Written by Cartola / Carlos Cachaça / Hermínio Bello de Carvalho (as Hermínio B. Carvalho)
Performed by Cartola
Peer Music do Brasil Edições Musicais Ltda
Licensed by EMI Music Ltda
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Ciudad de Dios
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- R$3,300,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $7,564,459
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $88,292
- Jan 19, 2003
- Gross worldwide
- $30,681,033
- Runtime2 hours 10 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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