City of God

[B40]

Who's seen this movie? I've heard it's an amazing movie. 8.7/10 on IMDB.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0317248/

[bfurtado]

Very anxious to see this as well. I think its out in June on DVD

Brian

[smirnoff]

I've seen it. Based on a true story it says. And indeed it did make a good movie. I found it didn't live up to what I was expecting, due to all the hype, however it was entertaining enough. I didn't find it particularly moving, or memorable though. It has lots of good visual style. I can't give it a truly enthusiatic recommendation, but at least watch it for an education in another culture.

I'd give it an 8/10.

[chillin]

good movie indeed. June 8th

[hotwings]

i agree with smirnoff. Wasn't as great as I expected but still very entertaining.

[B40]

Originally posted by smirnoff@Apr 21 2004, 11:59 PM
I've seen it. Based on a true story it says. And indeed it did make a good movie. I found it didn't live up to what I was expecting, due to all the hype, however it was entertaining enough. I didn't find it particularly moving, or memorable though. It has lots of good visual style. I can't give it a truly enthusiatic recommendation, but at least watch it for an education in another culture.

I'd give it an 8/10.
I just saw it.

The first 15 mins I thought the movie wasn't living up to all the hype I've heard about this movie, but my opinion changed a bit towards the end.

Definetly a great movie, especially if you're into drug/gang type movies.

[Kurtz7834]

Repost of my reply to Trini's thread:

I saw it in the theatres about a month ago. I liked it but didn't love it. I felt the characters could have been developed more fully. There is very little emotional depth. The movie is highly stylized and looks really cool, but is fairly shallow and somewhat predictable. I would recommend it only to fans of crime movies, and I'd rate it about a 7.5 out of 10.

Is it just me, or are the critics far easier on foreign films? They seem much more likely to fawn all over foreign films, even though they aren't necessarily great. City of God is good but no classic.

[nejo]

Ditto, re-post of my reply to Trini's thread


Having recently come back from a four month expedition through Central America, I was quite disappointed with the film. Before I get some slack, yes I know the obvious; the movie takes place in Brazil and not in Central America. Having said that, I think the film was shot very well and I really enjoyed the production. Despite this, I think the film did very little to expose Brazilian culture. The film gives you a glimpse of life in the slums but does not adequately portray the emotion and spirit of Brazil's people. I've visited quite a few slums in Latin American countries and despite the poverty and crime which plague these areas, there is a certain warmth and modesty found among the people. I think City of God did very little to show this and though I know the intent of the film was to expose the violence and suffering found in these slums, I was expecting much more from the film. If you are interested in watching a film about life in the slums particularly in the developing world, I would highly recommend Salam Bombay. This is by far the best and most realistic portrayal of life in the slums. I know City of God was based on a true story but I think more exposure to the cultural elements of the country were needed.

I still believe it is a movie worth viewing and I would recommend it over most Hollywood flicks but if your looking to gain a better understanding of Brazilian culture or life in the slums of Brazil I would look elsewhere.

Peace,

Nejo

[Lando]

I just finished watching this movie. I think it was great. Perhaps it wasn't totally "accurate", but I think the idea is the more "entertaining" the more wide spread it will be. Plus it gets the message across, makes me thankful for what we have.

[LuckyOne]

Just saw this yesterday on the dish. Liked it, didn't love it. I was really tired but I was able to stay awake and keep up with the subtitles, which for me means it held my attention, and thats a good thing.

[zenbunny]

Agree with what others have said...good film but highly overrated.

[yunez]

was just about to rent this an hour ago, the photography aspect intrigued me. I think ill go back to get it next time

[Lando]

Yah I didn't LOVE it, but it was still a great movie and I would recommend it.

[Roninvancouver]

pretty excellent movie but could be edited to be 23 minutes shorter :)

saw it on dvd and i'll tell you the real jewel was the one hour documentary special featurette about the real city of god...that was 5 stars.

rent it!

:)

ps...that was one lucky chicken....

[cil254]

Very good movie, pretty violent, but very realistic.

[laptop-tech]

I'm probably going to watch it next week, and being a native of Brazil, I'm not sure what I should expect.

From comments I heard from friends, it shows pretty much what happens in reality to a lot of people, but not all. I lived in Brazil most of my adult life (until I was 25) and the number one reason for leaving was the violence...

Anyways, hope it's a nice movie.... for those interested in brazilian movies, I could recommend some old ones that I loved :

1 - Woman on Top
2 - Bossa Nova
3 - Eu Tu Eles (not sure the name in english...prolly something like "Me you Them")
4 - O Homem Nu

all pleasant movies, no violence (at least not the point).


For those who have Rogers digital, the TMN was playing last week "Madame Sata" which I simply hated...could not even finish watching.

[dell]

There is another Brazilian made movie similar to City of God called Carandiru. It takes place in a prison and its supposed to be a rough and violent flick.

[kayman]

for anyone that hasnt seen this yet, its on at 12am(half hour from now) on CBC tonight. check it out for sure.

[gamovafan]

Decent movie, I personally wouldn't rank it ahead of Heat or Scarface on IMDB...but whatever.

[Ojam]

wow, they are playing this in TV? Its pretty brutal at times, is it cut?

[IceQue]

No they didnt cut it at all.

[Headhunter]

No they didnt cut it at all.
CBC's pretty good about airing "adult" content (violence, language, themes) unedited.

[Tsukagi]

i saw it the 2nd time on cbc...the 1st time i saw it, i was pretty disturbed b/c i started watching from the middle..but 2nd time, it's pretty good...i understood who the ppl/characters were.