- Goodfellas in the Slums of Brazil -
This film recounts the story of a young
Brazilian boy named Rocket who grows up in and
around the 'City of God'. We follow his life,
from a very young age though adulthood, as he
narrates all the crazy adventures of his life
and describes all the various characters he
encounters along the way. His life is a tough
one, filled with horrific violence, incessant
theft and rampant drug abuse, which seems
commonplace in his world. More than anything,
this is a story of survival in a vicious
community that chews people up and only spits
them out if they are lucky. This existence is a
vicious circle that seems to inevitably lead to
short life or a life spent in jail or absolute
poverty. The only way out seems to be to risk
your life in the drug trade where things become
assuredly more dangerous. Avoiding trouble
completely is a very tricky accomplishment and
we watch as Rocket does his best to make it in
this God-forsaken world. But will he make it
without giving in to the temptations of a
criminal life? After all, honesty doesn't pay in
the 'City of God'.
The film is marvelously directed and edited.
There is a kinetic feel that rivals Scorsese's
work in 'Goodfellas'. That the material is also
similar is not surprising. This film was clearly
inspired by the 1990 gangster epic. 'City of
God' definitely deserved its Oscar nominations.
I am clearly recommending the film despite the
brutality and the overwhelming sense of despair
that the film conveys. I usually don't like
films that refuse to feature even a glimmer of
hope, but this film avoids that pitfall in the
final twenty minutes. I won't reveal what
happens, but the film offers a sliver of hope
without selling out the reality and tone of the
earlier scenes.
Based on true events, 'City of God' is a
visceral and shocking peek into a living hell
that, by all accounts, still exists to this day.
Poverty will always make crime a viable
option... a natural human instinct. This film
highlights that fact with brilliant direction
and Oscar worthy editing. I am not sure anyone
would want to watch this film multiple times,
it's just not that kind of movie. But I strongly
suggest you seek it out on DVD if you missed the
limited theatrical run.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
"City of God"
is a challenging film to watch, because it is
brutally honest, authentically written and
stunningly acted by remarkable cast. Directed by
Katia Lund and Fernando Meirelles. It is the
story of two boys growing up in a violent
neighborhood in Rio De Janeiro...one grows up to
be a photographer and the other to be a drug
dealer. This is a courageous film featuring a
cast from the "Ghetto." These are not film
stars, but the director brings performances out
of them that would rival many of our "stars."
The cinematography and production values are
magnificent. Because of its brutal honesty, this
is a challenging film to watch. I strongly
recommend you choose to watch this film.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
