| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
A |
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| Acting: |
A- |
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| Direction: |
A+ |
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| Visuals: |
A |
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A Disturbing Masterpiece
by Timothy (movies profile)
Dec 28, 2007
23
of
36 people found this review helpful
In keeping up with celebrity news, I can't help but notice that celebrities lately are whining about what a horrible country we live in. Recently, I was reading that a particular movie star wants to raise her child in another country because she is scared the country's crime will affect her little one's upbringing. I'll be sure to cry for you when your child is living the ghetto life in some expensive, ritzy private school Gwyneth! (I am not going to name any last names.) After making that point, I can say I am proud to be an American. Sure their are countries that seem more at peace or more beautiful, but there are others that are a cesspool of violence and crime. "City of God" is an eye-opening film that reinforces what a great country this is.
The film is set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. This is a neighborhood known as the City of God: a place where gangs outnumber the law and crime is an acceptable option for making money and rising to the top. The film's central character, Rocket, narrates his story from childhood into young manhood. From Rocket's perspective, we are introduced to a network of characters larger than Mormon Tabernacle Choir, yet we still remember each and everyone of them due to intense direction and storytelling.
I will come clean and say that "City of God" is one of the best films I have seen this year. While other great films this year, such as "Monster", were redeemed by a memorable performance, "City of God" touches every base. An ensemble cast of no-names deliver realistic, intense performances, the story holds on and does not let go, and the direction is worthy of the Oscar nomination that it received. In fact, it really should have nabbed the Oscar from "Lord of the Rings". As if the hobbits were not taking home enough gold as it was.
Here is my disclaimer that I use in about 90% of my reviews: this film is not for everyone. "City of God" (which is based on a true story) portrays the violent, ruthless acts of Brazil gang life in graphic honesty. This is a place where adults gun down 10-year-olds, and vice versa, without a drop of guilt or sympathy. And all of this is just daily routine in the City of God. This film is a true masterpiece that allowed me to escape to a land in which I do not want to live. As wonderful as "City of God" is, my conclusion is simply this: God Bless America. Oh yeah....and see "City of God"! |
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