I was pretty well blown away by the movie Cidade de Deus (City of God). The City of God is Rio de Janeiro’s most notorious slum or favela. It’s a war zone between rival drug dealers and the police. The true story is narrated by Rocket, a young boy who grows up on the fringes of the crime- knowing the players, but not participating. Starting in the 60s, when the City of God was built, and progressing through the early 80s, we watch the “hoods” grow, prosper and meet their fate. Meanwhile, Rocket stumbles into his dream of becoming a photographer by being at the right place at the right time.
Not only was the story completely gripping, but I also loved the whole feel of the film. The cinematography, the editing, the color, the music- everything. I am about halfway through the only special feature on the DVD- a documentary on the slum today. It’s fascinating.
Every synopsis I’ve read said that the place is the protagonist. I think it’s really the antagonist. I also think I will have to buy this movie. I’m still amazed. See it.
MORE WOW! I just read this on IMDb:
All of the amateur actors were recruited from favelas (slums) in Rio de Janeiro, and a couple of of them - eg. Buscapé/Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) - actually lived in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) itself.
Not to be too insistent here- but the more I read about the movie, the real story and the actors today, the more I am amazed. Please check out the site I first linked on the title.
Posted by: Kristen at August 5, 2004 11:52 AMAkin to Cairo's City of the Dead perhaps.
"10 out of 10," how many thumbs up does that equal? I can't watch a movie until it's passed the patented 'Thumbs Method' of review. :-p
Posted by: matts at August 5, 2004 12:26 PMum... two then...
Posted by: Kristen at August 5, 2004 12:31 PMit's not still in the theatres, is it? i've heard so many good things about this movie, but just never got around to watching it...
ooo, do you think joe and ann will let us have a memphis screening of it?
Posted by: c2 at August 5, 2004 01:12 PMOh- WONDERFUL idea! I am SURE they would. When though?
Posted by: Kristen at August 5, 2004 01:38 PMMatt- tell me about this City of the Dead in Cairo. I have been to Cairo, but have not heard of it. Is this just a place or is there also a book and movie about it?
Posted by: Kristen at August 5, 2004 03:02 PMNo, it's a place. I don't know if there's a movie or not... and I'm not even entirely sure what I'm talking about.
I'm 90% sure it's Cairo (though I've never been there)... basically a huge village of the homeless.
Posted by: matts at August 5, 2004 03:35 PMThose who live in the City of God are not homeless. It's a slum is all. Regardless, see the movie. :-P
Posted by: Kristen at August 5, 2004 03:39 PMTouche.
Posted by: matts at August 5, 2004 04:07 PM