Jack Tells You What He Thinks of a Movie

Move: "City of God"
Language: Portugese, subtitled




Wow. A buddy of mine told me to see this movie a long time ago, and finally I checked it out from the library. Put simply, it's one of the most engaging and rewarding movies I've seen in some time.

Set in a horrific slum outside Rio De Janeiro (sp?), the movie spans roughly... 20, 25 years, I think? Told from the perspective of a narrator who largely stays outside the action (though plays a pivotal role in this true story before its over with), the action is constant, the characters fully realized and engaging, the likable likable, the despicable... still kind've likable. The action climaxes to a fantastic finish - unexpected considering how quaint the beginning is. It is definitely a refrigerator movie - might take a while after the stimulation is over to realize how incredible it is.

I don't want to tell any of the plot, because the storytelling device is so fantastic. A series of flashbacks and various character sketches add up to a wonderful whole. Put this one on your list.

Edit: Benny is the coolest hood in the City of God