City of God Directed by Fernando Meirelles Review

(Image taken from Miramax)

Based Paulo Lins book “Cidade de Deus” (Published 1997) “City of God” is a 2002 film directed by Fernando Meirelles. Paulo’s book was also loosely based on the real live events and organized crime of Cidad de Deus through the 60’s and 70’s. The story follows two boys who grew up in the favela known as the City of God. Each boy taking their own path to escape the circumstances they were born into.

It’s a very good-looking film. The entire film was filmed on location, in not in Cidade de Deus as it was too dangerous but in a neighbouring favela of Rio. So, everything that isn’t specifically for setting the period is actually a part of the favela itself. The fact that this is filmed on location also allows for a more realistic view of Rio de Janeiro. We do still have the “picture postcard” views of the beaches. When Rocket and his friends are shown having a good time they are on a breathtaking beach, but this is countered with the usual grey tone of the favelas.

Apart from the set, there is also the lighting that and cinematography that really sets the tone of the film threw out. For example, in Blacky story, we are shown a quick rundown of how crime has become more common, and business like in the favelas through his apartment. The howl scene is filmed in a fly on the wall perspective. Giving the audience an unforgiving view of the apartment’s activity. Starting out in a golden warm light in the time of the “Tender Trio”. When crimes were committed to benefit the community. This changes however after the first gang is dispersed and Carrot and Lil’Zé take over. The favela becomes a darker and dangers place so does the flat. When Lil’Zé’s gang commit crimes it’s not shown in an admiring slightly worm eye view. It is shot in a p.o.v shot amongst the gang almost as if you are a member of the gang committing these crimes with them. Looking down at their victim giving you either the feeling of being unable to look away or paranoia that you might be next. This is used by Meirelles throughout the film, allowing the audience even if they can’t understand the characters, they can feel out the tone of the surroundings. The lighting is a key feature in the cycle of violence theme that seems to run throughout the film.

Adding to the theme of the cycle of violence are of cures the characters. They are the ones who are acting out against their environment and portraying this character where 100 hand inhabitants of Cidade de Deus. Including the two main actors Alexandre Rodrigues (Rocket) and Leandro Firmino (Lil’Zé), both were but threw a makeshift acting course. Meirelles said he wanted his actor to know how it was to grow up in the favela so their characters would be more realistic and authentic. This leads two very interesting scenes, which weren’t scripted. E.g the prey before the war. A young member of the cast who used to be in a gang, mention that they would prey before a fight. Meirelles asked him if he would lead a prayer whilst he filmed the scene. As well as the scene where Rocket mentions he has never had a hot bath. That was taken from the actual conversation on set between the two actors. This really does add to the character of the favela as well as giving the film a believability.  This is especially important as the characters are based on real people who Paulo Lins knew or are even still known to this day. The Runts, for example, are based off, of a gang that is now known as Comando Vermelho (Red Command) the most notorious Gang in all of Rio. Having them being portrait by children from a similar background as them brings the reality a lot closer to home as well as making the audience understand the way they are the way they are.

This is where the short stories come into play. Meirelles similar like Inarritu in his film “Amores Perros” (2001) uses multiple stories to tell one overarching storyline. However, in “City of God” the short stories are there to introduce and develop characters in a quick and officiant way so that the audience can relate to them. Knockout Need, Lil’Zé and the Tender Trio are all introduced to us in short quick stories that help the audience to understand where they are coming from. However, you should also note that Rocket is always the narrator of this views in the past, causing some bias in the narrative. Again, the Tender Trio is portrayed as heroes despite being the first real gang, but Rocket might be biased becomes Goose was his brother. Lil’Zé is portrait to be almost insane from the first moment we meet him in the flashback as Clipper’s brother. But this might be the way Rocket sees it as he is the reason his brother had to flee. The short stories are an effective way to give the audience exposition whilst keeping the plot of the film going, as well as giving us feedback on the way Rocket feels about them without directly saying so.

“City of God” also comments on the Police brutality and corruption that was faced during this time. As they are shown to be uncaring if they get the right man or not. According to some of the actors who have been interviewed in the follow-up documentary “City of God 10 Years Later” that nothing has really changed for those living in the favelas of Rio. As people only see them as troublemakers even if they only want to make a living. This miss treatment of the inhabitants of the favelas, as well as the cycle of violence, drive from the characters, need to escape. “City of God” shows the audience to ways to escape their situation. Climb to the top of the hierarchy like Lil’Zé or look for a better life outside of the favelas like Rocket.

If they chose the former, they only add to the cycle. The cycle shown to us by Meirelles starts with people being pushed out of their homes and into the favelas. Only for them to gang up and use the same violence to regain control. This, however, influences the next Generation, if they aren’t thought by the previous generation where the line is the next will sleep even further. This is where Rocket and Lil’Zé differ. Goose didn’t want his brother to get involved whereas Lil’Zé was an unofficial member of the Tender Trio who wasn’t appreciated. It’s a constant repetition of the same mistake going round and round. Even though it has rest bits in-between where it looks like the violence stops it never does. “A hood doesn’t stop, a hood takes a break” I think it sums up the film quite well. The reputation of the same mistakes is shown as a motive within the film itself.

E.g. Shaggy and Bené both members of gangs. Both meet a girl they are willing to leave everything for. They even have the same dream of leaving and living on a farm. Both end up shot when they attempt to leave.

This is brought full cycle when the opening scene is reputed in near the end. The quick paced editing of the opening scene idea of Brazil. Quick shots of knives cooking and chickens whilst there is upbeat music playing in the background. But when it is repeated fast passed editing, becomes more of an adrenaline rush as the audience anticipates a fallout between the police and the Gangs.

“City of God” is a beautiful film that gives the darker side of Rio de Janeiro a voice. The film is a must see for any film student. Not just because of its critical success as (Oscar nominations for best director, best film editing, best screenplay adaptation, best cinematography, won a BAFTA best editing) but because of its genuinely interesting character and messages. However, it isn’t a film you can watch lightly or just to have in the background. It requires your entire concentration, not just because of the subtitles.

Which in fairness my turn some people of or confuse people who have difficulty keeping up with them. I found it hard the first time as well as I was confused why everyone was so worried about orange vegetables. Only for my friend to tell me that Carrot was actually the rival gang leader’s name. There is moment when the pacing is a little slow but overall, there is always something happening to keep you interested.