I just recently purchased this film on DVD. It is without a doubt one of the best films I have ever seen. Known over here as City of God, its the story of two young men living in the slums (or favelas) of Rio de Janiero. One young man goes on to become a photographer, the other, a cold blooded killer and drug dealer. The whole movie is in the native languages of Rio, (Portugese and Brazilian), which needless to say, adds to the whole feeling of the film. There are also some pretty graphic, and unsettling scene. It's not for the faint at heart. There's kids running around killing, selling and doing drugs. The film is based on actual events that took place during the 60s and 70s in Rio de Janiero, and which formed the factual background for Paolo Lin's novel of the same name. I give this film a 10/10. Anyone else seen it? Thoughts?

I have never seen it, but I've heard about it. I never knew what it was about till you posted that. It sounds very interesting. I'll have to check it out .

Yes I've seen it and I loved it. Convincing performances, exciting soundtrack, and just one incredible film -- one of the best I've seen.

10/10

one of the greatest films ever, nothing else to say. everyone should watch it.

i agree with all of you Fellas. This is a hellovah movie. And thanks to Puppeteer for recomending this film to us last year. its worth every minute . . .

GoodFella

The Brazilian version of a Scorsese movie indeed. I loved it and the acting/direction was excellent. The cinematography was also very great.
9/10
#15

This is a brilliant piece of international cinema. I've heard that there is a TV series "City of Men" that expands on the films concept, can anyone confirm or deny this?

yeah that's right Frankie. this series is in the second season and is like a sitcom (one episode a week), but each season features few episodes - the first one had only 5 and the second has a little bit more but there are not many.

it features the same crew of actors and the same kind of "film" making from the film, but its focused on two main charachters: Laranjinha (Alexandre Rodrigues, the Buscapé/Rocket from City of God) and Acerola (Douglas Silva, Dadinho/Little Dice or young Lil'Ze in COG).

if anyone has the chance to watch it, I guarantee it's good, but not as amazing as the film, that is one of my very favorites.

I've never agreed with the Scorsese connection; it simply doesn't give this raw, riveting and energetic film enough justice. Perhaps only for its experimental camera work/style in general, similar (arguably) to Marty's earlier work, but I don't see anything more than that.

Paul, City of Men was shown on BBC4 a couple of weeks ago; I missed it, but the whole season one is on DVD in HMV right now.

Mick