City of God (2002)

Directors: Katia Lund, Fernando Meirelles

Writers: Braulio Mantovani, from the novel by Paulo Lins

Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Jonathan Haagensen, Matheus Nachtergaele, Seu Jorge, Jefechander Suplino

This powerful film dramatizes the growth of organized crime in the ghettos of Brazil from the 60s to the 80s by focusing on a group of boys who grow up in the Cidade de Deus. 

Fernando Meirelles’ and Kátia Lund’s film is one of the most astonishing and confident directorial debuts I can recall.

 The shots are fluid and energetic and the film bursts with music. 

The actors are non-professionals who were chosen to heighten authenticity. 

Along with the violence, there is also a lot of humor. 

Although the knowing way it portrays the cycle of violence that perpetuates a culture of crime can lead to hopelessness, the filmmakers allow a glimmer of hope in the character of Rocket, who uses a stolen camera and his acquaintances among criminals to build a profession and find a way out of the favela.