The film's plot follows a group of impoverished children who grew up in the City of God, Brazil, during the 60's and 70's and all of the trials and tribulations that come with it. The two characters we follow are Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) and Lil Ze (Leandro Firmino) who started out their lives in the very beginning of the City of God. Rocket follows the more honest, stay out of trouble lifestyle, which includes hanging out with friends, doing photography and occasionally smoking a joint. Lil Ze on the other hand has embraced the violence and drug lifestyle. I don't want to give too much away but Lil Ze's introduction to his future endeavors is pretty intense. Lil Ze's story is almost like a Brazilian version of Michael Corleone's rise to power in Godfather Part II. He starts off small until he gets a huge gang of thugs and eventually takes over all the other businesses besides one section whom he leaves Carrot (Matheus Nachtergaele) in charge.
This movie, first and foremost, is about the characters. There are so many different stories being told within the grand scheme but Meirelles carefully makes sure that you understand each character's motivations, who they are, and why they are pertinent. It is so easy to tell if you are watching a movie and you cannot remember any of the characters names, that is because you don't care what happens to them. This movie is very different. Watching it I was concerned with each character's life and what they were doing to stay alive, watching how everyone adjusted to this lifestyle, and why they wanted to stay in it or leave it.
The movie eventually takes a different turn (following some very unfortunate events) and becomes an all out war between the two factions of Lil Ze and Carrot for control of the City of God. This is where the brutality of the characters starts to shine. A very powerful scene is where a group of kids, known as The Runts, have been thieving and doing hold ups to the different stores in Lil Ze's territory. Eventually he becomes fed up with it and decides to take matters into his own hands. Lil Ze, Steak and Fries (a young kid who hangs out with Lil Ze sometimes) and some thugs go to the Runts hang out. The older thugs catch two of the Runts and Lil Ze gives them a choice. Choose to either be shot in the hand or in the foot. Considering these kids are around the age of 6-10 it is very traumatic for them. Both of the runts agree to be shot in the hands after deliberation and coming to terms with their decisions. Of course Lil Ze shoots them both in the foot instead. As the younger one is crying and screaming out for help Lil Ze brings over "Steak and Fries" (approximately 12 years old) and tells him in order to become one of them he has to shoot and kill one of the Runts. This scene is so incredibly deep and telling because it shows how these kids get trapped into this lifestyle and decide to accept it. Eventually Steak makes his decision and a little boy is dead while the other is crying and bleeding his way home.
But in the end what is this movie trying to tell us? That this life exists? To count our lucky stars that not all of us are in these conditions? Or trying to show what true human nature can turn into with poverty, neglect and a dash of drugs? The most insane part is at the very end when those five words jump up onto the screen "Based On A True Story". Personally I think it was trying to show how depending on the decisions that are placed in front of you, your life can go one of two ways. This is one of those stories that reflects the Boys In The Hood afternoon specials, the "if you stay on the right path" you can escape hell story. But sadly both show that no matter how much you try and stay on the straight and narrow your surroundings do have an impact on you and majority of the time it does not work out in your favor. Overall a very deep, emotional and impactful story that has stayed with me.
Grade: A-
Genre: Drama
Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele
Rated: R for strong brutal violence, sexuality, drug content and language
Directed by: Fernando Meirelles, Katia Lund
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