When you think of gangster movies, the first thing that probably springs to mind are mafia epics like “The Godfather,” action thrillers like “Heat,” or genre highlights like “Pulp Fiction.” But “City Of God” from 2002 also tells a gangster story in its own way – and what a story!
Not only did the gripping thriller-drama receive numerous awards and four Oscar nominations at the time, but since its release it has regularly appeared in several reputable lists of the best films of the 21st century and even in some best lists of all time. . We were thrilled too and gave the masterpiece the full 5 stars, earning it one of the top spots in our list of the best gangster movies of all timeeven before cult classics like “Scarface” or “Léon – The Professional”:
We are all the more pleased that “City Of God” director Fernando Meirelles (“The Eternal Gardener”, “The Two Popes”) is now returning to his exceptional work, having recently begun the “City Of Men” series. had spawned a quasi-spin-off in a similar setting (which also continued years later): Like the magazine Meirelles is reportedly currently working on a series sequel to “City Of God”.
Not much is known about the project yet. Meirelles herself only revealed that it is necessary to highlight what has changed in the meantime in Brazil’s slums and what major problems still exist there. This time, however, the focus should be on their strengths rather than their shortcomings. In the course of this, characters from the original film may also return. The series is being developed for the American streaming service HBO Max and shooting is scheduled for 2023.
This is City of God
“City Of God” tells the story of two boys Buscapé (Alexandre Rodrigues) and Zé Pequeno (Leandro Firmino), who grow up under similar circumstances in the poor favelas of Rio de Janeiro. But despite coming from the same neighborhood, one of them becomes a peace-loving photographer and the other a boss of violent crime.
For example, the film raises the exciting question of whether human development is more determined by aptitude or by upbringing – without giving a conclusive answer or refuting it with clumsy moral sermons. ‘City Of God’ is much more like an almost documentary description of life in the slums and the background of the misery – and at the same time fascinating and frightening.