Review by Marty Mapes

Story, style, and substance combine in a powerful, unforgettable film.

City of God is told in the hip style of Trainspotting. Our narrator uses the tricks of Pulp Fiction to tell his story in flashback, in flash-forward, and from many different angles. But as in the better works of Martin Scorsese, any stylistic trick first and foremost serves the story, which, like the better works of Scorsese, is about gangsters.

City of God is based on a true story. It's told from the point of view of Rocket (Alexandre Rodriguez), who narrates from the present. He grew up around hoods. His brother was part of "The Tender Trio," a gang that robbed the occasional gas truck or motel. The Tender Trio look like choirboys compared to Li'l Dice, a sociopathic seven-year-old who enjoys murder and desires power and respect. Li'l Dice grows up to become Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino da Hora), the most ruthless, most powerful drug dealer in The City of God, the poorest slum in Rio de Janeiro.

The style and the story both make City of God far above average. What makes it great is that it treats its subject seriously and honestly. It looks closely at the details of crime and poverty without turning away in revulsion or dismissing the hoods as evil non-human beings. Because the film keeps its eyes open, you can bring anything you like to the film and get something in return.

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