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City of God: A Diamond in the Rough
"It’s like a refreshing glass of cool water during what seems like a never-ending drought of quality films."
By Jordan Monroe
To accurately and fairly describe City of God may prove to be impossible. And yet, at the same time, refusing to attempt to do so would be a greater travesty. Coming out of a monotonous movie-making industry that often lacks in creativity, City of God is a diamond in the rough. It’s like a refreshing glass of cool water during what seems like a never-ending drought of quality films.
Set in a Rio de Janeiro favela where powerlessness and poverty are feared more than death, City of God is a collection of memories about life in one of Brazils most dangerous and drug-stricken slums. It’s told from the perspective of an aspiring young photographer nicknamed "Rocket". Though Rocket was raised in this environment, and is in fact the brother of a “hood”, he himself was never tempted to live the life of a hood. This was undoubtedly the best decision he could have made; one by one, those around him who chose the life of crime met their demise. But it wasn’t only coldhearted criminals who met death during this true-to-life story, but many innocent victims as well, reminding viewers that death does not discriminate. However, even throughout the senseless killing, there rarely seemed to be a sense of sadness or surprise. Instead, death is accepted, and in some cases, welcomed.
From the first to the last scene of City of God, there never seems to be a dull moment. There is so much going on in this film that it’s hard to imagine it’s based on a true story. And, interestingly enough, viewers are never told that it is based on real-life events. Rather than advertise it, the subtle way director Fernando Meirelles informs us that City of God is a true story actually compliments the film. When the viewer finally does realize the film is based more on fact than fiction, the effect is more powerful and personal.
Though City of God was nominated for four Oscars, it has received little notice from the urban American youth for whom it could serve as a valuable lesson. For the same issues and problems that plagued the characters in the film also plague the streets of virtually every urban slum in America. Rocket’s story is one that many young people can relate to, and, I think, learn from.
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