City of God
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.
Critics Sentiment
Runts execute Li'l Zé and plan their takeover
Blacky accidentally kills Benny during assassination attempt on Li'l Zé
The film rises from Benny's tragic death to the powerful climactic sequence where all narrative threads converge in the police standoff and Li'l Zé's ultimate downfall.
City of God maintains consistently high critical acclaim throughout its runtime, with reviewers praising its unflinching portrayal of favela violence and masterful filmmaking technique. The sentiment peaks with the iconic opening chicken chase and the satisfying yet haunting conclusion where the cycle of violence continues. Critics consistently highlighted the film's authentic casting, innovative cinematography, and powerful storytelling that transforms brutal reality into transcendent cinema.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 150
Alexandre Rodrigues
Buscapé - Rocket
Leandro Firmino
Zé Pequeno - Li'l Zé
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 Gomes
Bené Criança - Young Benny
Roberta Rodrigues
Berenice - Bernice
Luis Otávio
Buscapé Criança - Young Rocket
Kiko Marques
Cabeção - Melonhead
Gustavo Engracia
Editor do Jornal - Rogerio Reis
Darlan Cunha
Filé-com-Fritas - Steak and Fries
Robson Rocha
Gelson - Gerson
Thiago Martins
Lampião
Leandra Miranda
Lúcia Maracanã
Crew
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