Cidade de Deus (City of God) (2002)
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90% of critics liked it
(156 reviews) -
97% of users liked it
(216,066 ratings)
Fernando Meirelles' City of God is a sweeping tale of how crime affects the poor population of Rio de Janeiro. Though the narrative skips around in time, the main focus is on Cabeleira who formed a gang called the Tender Trio. He and his best friend, Bené (Phelipe Haagensen), become crime lords… More Fernando Meirelles' City of God is a sweeping tale of how crime affects the poor population of Rio de Janeiro. Though the narrative skips around in time, the main focus is on Cabeleira who formed a gang called the Tender Trio. He and his best friend, Bené (Phelipe Haagensen), become crime lords over the course of a decade. When Bené is killed before he can retire, Lil' Zé attempts to take out his arch enemy, Sandro Cenoura (Matheus Nachtergaele). But Sandro and a young gangster named Mane form an alliance and begin a gang war with Lil' Zé. Amateur photographer Buscape (Alexandre Rodrigues) takes pictures of the brutal crime war, making their story famous. City of God was screened at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Directed By
- Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
- Written By
- Fernando Meirelles, Braulio Mantovani
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International
- In Theaters
- Jan 17, 2003 Wide
- On DVD
- Jun 8, 2004
- Studio
- Miramax Films
Critic Reviews
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J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
I came away from this film impressed by its narrative control but unmoved by anything it had to say.
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David Rooney, Variety
City of God delivers a bruising, visceral experience of the vicious spiral of violence that draws kids into a life of crime, brutality and murder as the only avenue open to them.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The performances, many from non-pros, are terrific.
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Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Difficult to watch but hard to look away from.
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Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
The living conditions it projects are as horrendous as I had feared, but the movie is surprisingly easy to take as a rollicking homicidal entertainment.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Alexandre Rodrigues
as BuscapĂ© (Rocket), Buscapé (Rocket), Bus...
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Leandro Firmino da Hora
as ZĂ© Pequeno (Lil' ZĂ©), Zé Pequeno (Lil'...
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Matheus Nachtergaele
as Sandro Cenoura (Carrot)
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Phelipe Haagensen
as BenĂ© (Benny), Bené (Benny), Ben? (Benny...
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Seu Jorge
as Mane Galinha (Knockout Ned)
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Jonathan Haagensen
as Cabeleira (Shaggy)
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Daniel Zettel
as Thiago
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Alice Braga
as AngĂ©lica, Angélica, Ang?lica
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Douglas Silva
as Dadinho (Lil' Dice)
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Roberta Rodriguez Silvia
as Berenice
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Michel de Souza Gomes
as BenĂ© Criança (Young Benny), Bené Crian...
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Darlan Cunha
as FilĂ©-com-Fritas, Filé-com-Fritas, Fil?-...
- Johnathan Haagensen
- Phellipe Haagensen
- Leandro Firmino
- Seu Jorg
- Philippe Haagensen


