A brutal yet brilliant look into the heart of organised crime, one foreign-language film continues to stun audiences more than two decades after its release.
Gritty, stylish and unrelenting in its portrayal of urban violence, it’s been hailed by fans as “the greatest film” many have ever seen – and its reputation as a must-watch for lovers of crime and gangster movies has only grown over the years.
City of God has a remarkable 8.6 rating on IMDb and takes viewers deep into the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where childhood is short and fleeting, and the path to power is paved by violence and blood.
Told through the eyes of Rocket, a young aspiring photographer, the Brazilian masterpiece charts the violent rise of gang leaders over two decades, most notably the chilling and unpredictable Li’l Zé – a villain as terrifying as any in cinema history.
Critics have praised the film’s storytelling as much as its visuals. “A masterclass in character development and detailed storytelling,” wrote one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer.
“It immerses you so completely that you feel every beat of life in the favela.”
Another added: “As hard to watch as it is fantastic… it does a perfect job highlighting the hardships of life in the favelas.”
What sets City of God apart from other gangster epics is its raw, unfiltered authenticity. Co-directors Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund shot the film on location in Rio’s favelas, casting real teenagers from local communities rather than seasoned actors.
This decision infused the story with a sense of lived reality that’s impossible to fake – the fear, desperation, humour and survival instincts captured on screen reflect real life in these forgotten corners of the city.
The film’s direction, cinematography, and editing are nothing short of extraordinary. Fast-paced, emotionally raw, and vividly stylised, City of God earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Cinematography – an astonishing feat for a non-English language film with no Hollywood stars.
As one fan put it: “It’s a mixture of a Bronx Tale, 70s-style urban aesthetics, and Goodfellas, but set in Rio. You’ll need a strong stomach – but if you can handle it, this is cinema at its finest.”
City of God is available to rent on Sky Store.