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.
- Fernando Meirelles
- Kátia Lund(co-director)
- Paulo Lins(novel)
- Bráulio Mantovani(screenplay)
- Stars
- Fernando Meirelles
- Kátia Lund(co-director)
- Paulo Lins(novel)
- Bráulio Mantovani(screenplay)
- Stars
Leandro Firmino
- Zé Pequeno - Li'l Zé
- (as Leandro Firmino da Hora)
Michel Gomes
- Bené Criança - Young Benny
- (as Michel De Souza Gomes)
Kiko Marques
- Cabeção - Melonhead
- (as Maurício Marques)
- Fernando Meirelles
- Kátia Lund(co-director)
- Paulo Lins(novel)
- Bráulio Mantovani(screenplay)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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 deleted the visuals of frontal nudity in the motel and the dialogue of two ladies about sexual experiences. It was given an 'A' (restricted to adults) certificate.
- ConnectionsFeatured in At the Movies: 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
Review
Featured review
One of the best unseen foreign films
I have seen this movie only recently (2005) and it's easily one of the better foreign films I have seen. Actually, it's probably just about one of the best films I had ever seen.
The characters really make this movie come alive with each of their compelling personalities shining though in the backdrop of oppressive conditions and constant violence. One thing which clearly comes to mind is "Lil' Dice's" ear to ear smile - so vivid and yet so ironic since he personifies pure evil.
The City of God is a world you don't want to visit, it won't be featured on a post card, and it's said to be the city ignored by god himself. This movie makes you feel uncomfortable, puts you on the edge of your seat -- you are right into the middle of the City and you too are caught up in it's violent temptation. More importantly, it's about the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.
This movie in effect is fast paced and hard to follow (with the added stress of subtitles over Portuguese), but it's worth it; and in fact really adds to the impetuous and impulsive undertones of the movie. In addition, the quintessential Brazilian music blending into the film like a well made Caprahina makes it feel authentic like the Italian music in the God Father.
You see the flaws of these men played out in an almost fatalistic nature -- hated, greed, futility; and in it all we see ourselves, our own flaws, and our own condition.
The characters really make this movie come alive with each of their compelling personalities shining though in the backdrop of oppressive conditions and constant violence. One thing which clearly comes to mind is "Lil' Dice's" ear to ear smile - so vivid and yet so ironic since he personifies pure evil.
The City of God is a world you don't want to visit, it won't be featured on a post card, and it's said to be the city ignored by god himself. This movie makes you feel uncomfortable, puts you on the edge of your seat -- you are right into the middle of the City and you too are caught up in it's violent temptation. More importantly, it's about the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.
This movie in effect is fast paced and hard to follow (with the added stress of subtitles over Portuguese), but it's worth it; and in fact really adds to the impetuous and impulsive undertones of the movie. In addition, the quintessential Brazilian music blending into the film like a well made Caprahina makes it feel authentic like the Italian music in the God Father.
You see the flaws of these men played out in an almost fatalistic nature -- hated, greed, futility; and in it all we see ourselves, our own flaws, and our own condition.
helpful•30758
- panjshir_lion
- Mar 30, 2005
Details
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- 2 hours 10 minutes
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