CIDADE DE DEUS
This electrifying, visceral picture is part tender coming-of-age film and part favela gang epic, a movie with dials cranked up to eleven – cinematography; music and sound; action; colour; heart; and incredible technical prowess.
In the poverty-stricken favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket (Phellipe Haagensen) is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighbourhood. José "Zé" Pequeno (Douglas Silva) is an ambitious drug dealer who uses Rocket and his photos as a way to increase his fame as a turf war erupts with his rival, "Knockout Ned" (Leandro Firmino da Hora). What makes ‘City of God’ so breathtaking is director Meirelles' passion for these people - he gives us the colour, the music and the humour, and brings out extraordinary performances from all, including many non-actors.
“I’ve seen this film many times, and will be counting the days until I see it once again. When pushed, this is the film I choose as my favourite of all time”. Walter Francisco – Festival Director. (Subtitles)
Brazil 2002 Kátia Lund/Fernando Meirelles 130m
