City of God (2002)
Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund's landmark Brazilian crime epic chronicles survival, violence, and ambition in Rio de Janeiro's most notorious favela.
City of God - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cidade de Deus
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: Portuguese
- Spoken Languages: Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 30, 2002 (Brazil - 16), February 13, 2004 (United States - R), January 3, 2003 (United Kingdom - 18), May 8, 2003 (Germany - 16), March 12, 2003 (France - 16), January 18, 2007 (India - A), August 14, 2003 (New Zealand), March 13, 2003 (Australia - R 18+), May 1, 2003 (Mexico - C), May 9, 2003 (Italy - 18+), January 31, 2003 (Spain - 18), November 3, 2005 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Miasto Boga (PL), Աստծո Քաղաքը (AM), Tanrinin Sheheri (AZ), เมืองคนเลวเหยียบฟ้า (TH), 시티 오브 갓 (KR), Cuidad de Dios (AR), Cidade de Deus (BR), Ciudad de Dios (ES)
- Production Companies: O2 Filmes, VideoFilmes, Wild Bunch, Hank Levine Film & Music, Globo Filmes, Lumière
- Production Countries: Brazil, France, Germany
City of God - Plot
In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood, while José "Zé" Pequeno is an ambitious drug dealer diving into a dangerous life of crime.
City of God - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Cidade de Deus unfold:
If you run, the beast catches you; if you stay, the beast eats you.
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City of God - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Fernando Meirelles
- Kátia Lund
Main Cast
- Alexandre Rodrigues
- Leandro Firmino
- Phellipe Haagensen
- Douglas Silva
- Jonathan Haagensen
- Matheus Nachtergaele
- Seu Jorge
- Jefechander Suplino
- Alice Braga
- Emerson Gomes
Writers
- Bráulio Mantovani
Producers
- Hank Levine
- Juliette Renaud
- Mauricio Andrade Ramos
- Walter Salles
- Andrea Barata Ribeiro
City of God - FAQs
Is City of God based on a true story?
Yes, City of God is based on Paulo Lins' 1997 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The story draws from real events and real people who lived in the Cidade de Deus housing project in Rio de Janeiro during the 1960s and 1970s, including the rise of actual drug gangs in that community.
What does the ending of City of God mean?
The ending shows Rocket escaping the cycle of violence through photography while Li'l Zé is killed by the Runts gang. It underscores the film's central theme: that art and ambition can offer a way out, whereas the path of crime leads only to an early death, no matter how powerful one becomes.
Where can you stream City of God?
City of God is available to stream on Paramount Plus Essential and Kanopy (free). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, JustWatch TV, and Spectrum On Demand. Hoopla also offers free access.
Who are the main actors in City of God?
The principal cast includes Alexandre Rodrigues as Rocket, Leandro Firmino as Li'l Zé, Phellipe Haagensen as Benny, Douglas Silva as Li'l Dice, Jonathan Haagensen as Shaggy, Matheus Nachtergaele as Carrot, Seu Jorge as Knockout Ned, Jefechander Suplino as Clipper, Alice Braga as Angélica, and Emerson Gomes as Stringy.
What is City of God about?
City of God follows two young men growing up in Rio de Janeiro's Cidade de Deus favela during the 1970s. Rocket pursues photography to document the neighborhood's spiraling drug violence, while Li'l Zé rises through the criminal underworld. Critics praise it as a visceral, masterfully crafted portrait of poverty and survival.
Did City of God win any major awards?
City of God received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Fernando Meirelles and Best Cinematography for César Charlone. It won numerous international accolades, including BAFTA nominations and prizes at the Chicago and Toronto International Film Festivals, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
What is the age rating for City of God?
City of God is rated R in the United States for strong brutal violence, sexuality, drug content, and language. In Brazil it carries a 16 rating, while the United Kingdom and several other countries classify it as 18. It is not recommended for younger audiences due to its intense and graphic content.
How long is City of God?
City of God has a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes (129 minutes). Despite its length, the film moves at a relentless pace thanks to Daniel Rezende's kinetic editing and Fernando Meirelles' dynamic direction, making it feel consistently urgent from its opening sequence to its devastating conclusion.
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