City of God

2002 Crime Drama

Fernando Meirelles' City of God is a sweeping tale of how crime affects the poor population of Rio de Janeiro. Though the narrative skips around in time, the main focus is on Cabeleira who formed a gang called the Tender Trio. He and his best friend, Bené (Phelipe Haagensen), become crime lords over the course of a decade. When Bené is killed before he can retire, Lil' Zé attempts to take out his arch enemy, Sandro Cenoura (Matheus Nachtergaele). But Sandro and a young gangster named Mane form an alliance and begin a gang war with Lil' Zé. Amateur photographer Buscape (Alexandre Rodrigues) takes pictures of the brutal crime war, making their story famous. City of God was screened at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.

Director: Fernando Meirelles

Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino da Hora, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Jonathan Haagensen

Reviews

  • Breathtaking and terrifying, urgently involved with its characters, it announces a new director of great gifts and passions: Fernando Meirelles.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    19 January 2013

  • It's a trip to Hell and back, and testimony for embittered cynics of all that a movie can be.

    Stephen Hunter - The Washington Post

    19 January 2013

  • One of the most startling, grittily brilliant films in recent years.

    Desson Thomson - The Washington Post

    19 January 2013

  • As the movie's frenetic visual rhythms and mood swings synchronize with the zany, adrenaline-fueled impulsiveness of its lost youth on the rampage, you may find yourself getting lost in this teeming netherworld.

    Stephen Holden - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • This is one movie in which you don't feel the long-ish running time, in part because there always seems to be a surprise (as well as a new street guerrilla) around every corner.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Feature Film - Best Art Direction (Melhor Direção de Arte)

    ABC Cinematography Award (2003)

  • Best International Feature Film

    AFI Fest (2002)

  • Best Cinematography

    Academy Awards (2004)

     
  • Best Editing

    BAFTA Awards (2003)

  • Special Achievement - Foreign Film

    Black Reel Awards (2004)