Like cinematic dynamite, City of God lights a fuse under its squalid Brazilian ghetto, and we're a captive audience to its violent explosion. The titular favela is home to a seething army of impoverished children who grow, over the film's ambitious 20-year time frame, into cut-throat killers, drug lords and feral survivors. In the vortex of this maelstrom is L'il Z (Leandro Firmino da Hora--like most of the cast, a non-professional actor), self-appointed king of the dealers, determined to eliminate all competition at the expense of his corrupted soul. With enough visual vitality and provocative substance to spark heated debate (and box-office gold) in Brazil, codirectors Fernando Meirelles and K??tia Lund tackle their subject head on, creating a portrait of youthful anarchy so appalling--and so authentically immediate--that City of God prompted reforms in socioeconomic policy. It's a bracing feat of stylistic audacity, borrowing from a dozen other films to form its own unique identity. You'll flinch, but you can't look away. --Jeff Shannon

I thought it's potrayal of the slums in Rio was excellent. You could really feel the pain and suffering through each character, from the begining to the end, false dawns and the main character somehow coming through it all to realise his dream. Some good perfomances in there. A really good watch.

Firstly I'd like to say I'd never heard of this film before I saw it.

I actually stumbled on it whilst flicking through channels on the TV. After about 5 minutes I was totally hooked. It is the most amazing film I have ever seen and I was left wanting more.

I won't write loads about the film as that has been done, all I'd say is go and see this film, buy it, borrow whatever.

Hollywood should take note, this is how you make a film.

I would love to give this film five stars because I watched it all the way through and came out the other end with something. My reason for four stars is simply that it is one of the most depressing, violent, and graphic movies I have ever seen. I almost turned it off several times, so gratituous did the violence seem, but, deciding to stick it out, found it to be a remarkable film. I'm saying this because there are bound to be those who will not be able to watch this without knowing that the ending is fantastic. If you think you know the world, you don't. If you think you've seen poverty and evil, you haven't. If you think your life is bad, it isn't. How there could be any "hell" as this on earth is almost impossible to imagine. The ghetto's of Rio are truly worse than anything one can believe and the fact that the enormous amount of children are perpetuating the violence is even more bizarre. This is sort of a "Lord of the Flies" times 1,000 and the entire film can be seen as a metaphor for the world I suppose. The acting and directing are perfect, but beware: if you're not one to look at violence and senseless killing, this is not a movie for you. While my review may not want to make you rush out and see this, you should. This is a movie you should know. You might not love it, but you should know it exists.

'Everyone feels dutybound to love this film'?

I certainly didn't - in fact I really didn't want to watch it, but I'm very glad I did.

I wouldn't quite give it 5 stars (it wasn't far off though), but it was a very well acted and very honest film that neither looks for answers nor seeks pity. It simply tells the story of how life is for the characters and the subject matter easily justifies its playing time.

I would recommend to anyone who has a free afternoon/evening and isn't averse to subtitles.

After just watching this I can honestly say this is one of the greatest films i've ever seen. Beautifully shot, a wonderful script and stunning performances.