Our critical critter @Funnelby is back, reviewing another of his favourite 'must see' films, the award-winning City of God.
City of God Content Disclaimer: City of God is an incredibly brutal movie, with disturbing and violent scenes. If you're not old enough or have a weak stomach, this isn't the right movie for you. Genre: Drama Age Certification: 18/R Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund Writers: Bráulio Mantovani, based on the novel of the same name by Paulo Lins Notable Actors: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Seu Jorge Released: 8/30/2002, Portuguese Plot Outline: City of God tells the story of Buscapé and Li'l Zé, who both grow up in a favela called Cidade de Deus ("City of God"). While Buscapé aspires to become a photographer, Li'l Zé grows up to become a drug dealer. Review Acting: 8/10 The acting in City of God is all around satisfying. Especially Leandro Firmino's portrayal of Li'l Zé is something to remember. With that being said, important scenes could have been more emotional, but that does not stop the acting in City of God from being way above average. Writing: 10/10 I feel that City of God is a masterpiece in writing. The way the story focuses on different characters at different times, with all things flowing neatly into each other makes for an incredible watching experience. The characters are really the strong point of City of God, with each of them receiving a proper introduction and then acting according to the way they were introduced, sometimes terrifyingly though. The sheer brutality strongly contrasts the calmer scenes that mostly involve Buscapé, and brilliantly capture the situation in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Sound/Music: 8/10 The soundtrack and sound effects of City of God capture the time and societal situations nicely and further accentuate the great pacing of City of God. However, the music wasn't very memorable. Visuals: 10/10 Not only did City of God have fantastic shots of its characters and the setting in particular, the way it displays both brutal and harmonic scenes in the same style makes for a very depressing experience that leave the viewer baffled and in awe-stricken silence due to the unspeakable things he saw. "Feels": 10/10 At some points, it becomes very hard to keep on watching City of God due to its very shocking scenes. It has a very strong effect on the viewer, who instinctively starts rooting for many characters to reach their goals or at least stay alive. In the same vein, one develops an intense hatred towards the antagonist and desperately wishes for him to stop his rampage. Personal Experience: I did not sleep well after my first viewing of City of God, and it took me a while to sort out what I saw. However, the movie gets better with each consecutive viewing, because it offers so much. Would I recommend it? Most certainly. Everyone of sufficient age who doesn't have a weak stomach should see City of God. Comments are closed.
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