Movie Recommendation of the Week: City of God
As you all know once a week I make a movie recommendation that by all standards features a movie that simply is not good. Doesn’t mean it isn’t entertaining. It just means that technically it’s not such a great movie. Well this week I wanted to switch it up a bit and recommend a movie that many people haven’t seen but happens to be incredible.
It’s called City of God. I’ll start off by saying it’s in subtitles so be prepared for that. But if you want to see a film that’s incredibly shocking, moving, and something that will make you think then it’s a great selection. City of God is the story of two boys growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro who take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.
I don’t want to give away anything about this movie. I will say this. The movie is loosely based on the poverty seen in Rio de Janeiro and 100% based on a true story. The violence is disturbing. What children go through is something we Americans simply don’t think about. So many things we take for granted are luxuries for these people.
How tough these kids have to become is truly a sight to see. I highly recommend this movie. Trailer is after the jump…..
This movie rocks.
“truely a site to see”
Don’t you mean sight?
Watched this for Portuguese class. Definitely a movie people need to see, regardless of college language requirements.
You should REALLY watch “Elite Squad” (Tropa de Elite – in portuguese).
Oddly enough this was the favorite movie of one of my best friends in high school. It’s been a while since I’ve seen it, but I remember it being incredible. I think I’ll watch it again soon.
Look I’m brazilian and I fucking hate Brazilians movies but this is awesome.
watch It.
Unreality there’s two awesome movies too : Elite Squad and Elite Squad 2
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0861739/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1555149/
That is a horrible trailer for an awesome film.
Check out the Elite Squad 1 and 2 as well, another top Brazilian film in a similar style.
“a movie that many people haven’t seen but happens to be incredible.”
I’d say a lot of people have seen it, but don’t consider of masterpiece due to the amount of violence and the shocking images.
As far as I am concerned, it belongs in my 10 favourite movies, it is incredibly moving and beautiful despite all its harshness and bitterness.
I might even have shed a tear first time I saw it. You make me want to see it again, Nattyb!
Absolutely riveting film. I always try get people to watch it and they’ve all agreed that it’s class.
Trivia: Most of the people in the movie are not actors of any kind.
Oh there’s also a pseudo-sequel City of Men, I haven’t watched it though.
City of Men it’s a spiritual successor in form of a series.
I would choose Elite Squad 1 and 2 at any day of the week than City of God.
There’s a hype around this movie because one of the main executive producers of Miramax loved it and made a great Academy campaign for the movie (the movie is from 2002, but was nominated just for the 2004 Academy Award).
City of God revealed Alice Braga for Hollywood too.
This movie is incredible, but seriously, watch elite squad 1 & 2, it’s the same theme, but takes it to the other level…
I loved this movie. It’s strange to see it as a recommendation on this site, but I have to give you props for recommending an actually good movie.
I agree with the above. Watch Elite Squad 1 and 2. It shows the same social situation but from the point of view of a hard police men (more like a military).
loved them.
greetings from Argentina!
One of my favorite films of all time. You forgot to mention that it has a perfect amount of humor and action; some upbeat music and a bit of a Danny Boyle-esque pace. Your description only makes it sound like a gut-wrenching shocker, which it is; but it’s more of a realistic, deep, long, visually appealing crime movie, something Americans fancy A LOT.
By the way, I’ve seen City of Men, and it’s also quite good, only not half as memorable.
kids with guns are always a good movie.