IMDb > Cidade de Deus (2002)
Cidade de Deus
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Cidade de Deus (2002) More at IMDbPro »

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Cidade de Deus (2002) -- Two boys growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.
Cidade de Deus (2002) -- Two boys growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.
Cidade de Deus (2002) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)
Cidade de Deus (2002) -- Sinematurk - Trailer (Flash)
Cidade de Deus (2002) -- Moviesbox.us - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 1% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Directors:
Fernando Meirelles
Kátia Lund (co-director)
Writers:
Paulo Lins (novel)
Bráulio Mantovani (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for City of God on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
2002 (Russia) more
Genre:
Action | Crime | Drama more
Tagline:
If you run you're dead...if you stay, you're dead again. Period. more
Plot:
Two boys growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 49 wins & 25 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(27 articles)
Birthday Suits: Nov 9th
 (From FilmExperience. 9 November 2009, 7:35 AM, PST)

A-z Movie Reviews – C’s
 (From HeyUGuys. 4 November 2009, 5:00 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Stunning - in every sense of the word more (583 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Alexandre Rodrigues ... Buscapé - Rocket
Leandro Firmino ... Zé Pequeno - Li'l Zé (as Leandro Firmino da Hora)
Phellipe Haagensen ... Bené - Benny
Douglas Silva ... Dadinho - Li'l Dice
Jonathan Haagensen ... Cabeleira - Shaggy
Matheus Nachtergaele ... Sandro Cenoura - Carrot
Seu Jorge ... Mané Galinha - Knockout Ned
Jefechander Suplino ... Alicate - Clipper

Alice Braga ... Angélica
Emerson Gomes ... Barbantinho - Stringy
Edson Oliveira ... Barbantinho Adulto - Older Stringy
Michel de Souza ... Bené Criança - Young Benny (as Michel De Souza Gomes)
Roberta Rodrigues ... Berenice - Bernice
Luis Otávio ... Buscapé Criança - Young Rocket
Maurício Marques ... Cabeção - Melonhead
more
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
City of God (International: English title) (UK) (USA)
God's Town (International: English title)
La cité de Dieu (France)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for strong brutal violence, sexuality, drug content and language.
Runtime:
130 min | Canada:135 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Country:
Brazil | France
Language:
Portuguese
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
Company:
O2 Filmes more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The shot where we see a lot of dead bodies lying on huge blocks of concrete was recreated from an award-winning photograph taken during the drug war portrayed in the movie. more
Goofs:
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When the Tender Trio are running away into the woods after they crashed into a neighbor's house, Shaggy says that Goose messed up his ankle but it's actually Clipper. Goose's ankle is fine. more
Quotes:
Buscapé: It was like a message from God: "Honesty doesn't pay, sucker." more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Vengeance Is Mine: Reinventing 'Man on Fire' (2005) (V) more
Soundtrack:
Hot Pants Road more

FAQ

A Note Regarding Spoilers
Why the name "City of God"? It seems like just the opposite!
Is/was life really like this in Brazil?
more
452 out of 489 people found the following comment useful.
Stunning - in every sense of the word, 18 December 2004
10/10
Author: trelloskilos-1 from United Kingdom

Cidade de Deus seems to have a lot of praise on the IMDb boards, and with good reason too. It simply is, in my opinion, one of the best contemporary films ever made.

Based on true events and characters who live in the overlooked and poverty stricken slums in the shadows of Rio de Janiero, where life expectancy doesn't reach the 30's and drug dealers are kings.

The tale of the City of God, and its myriad of characters is told by Rocket, a young man who struggles to make something of his life, other than to wind up another victim of drugs or gang wars.

Not only are the characters in City of God absolutely fascinating, and also very endearing, but also convincingly acted by groups of young and unknown actors. The stoies are well-told, and at times, funny, and at others, brutally shocking.

The cinematic style of the film gives a nod to Tarantino, with some clever time-jumping, freeze-framing, and texts indicating another chapter of the film. In every sense, a bit of a Brazillian "Pulp Fiction" or "Goodfellas", but with its own unique flavour to it.

The City of God is a marvel, and a highly recommended film to watch, but not recommended for the over-sensitive or easily distressed.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Cidade de Deus (2002)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
What's with the underage sex? JT_1
5 movies you hate but you wish you liked hafstadelic
Greatest Movies of the past decade (1999-2009) abdelchaouch221
Why City of God isn't great chris_topher1992
Chicano Cinema LLHedgehog
The real Li'l Ze agentajd
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