so, I had mentioned this before that I would start doing film reviews. Right now I will do ones off of the TSPDT 250 of the 00s. I'm not trying to be the next Leonard Maltin or anything, but I do love film and love good film. So, for the meantime, I'm gonna be operating off of this list in no particular order, and I will give my take on as many films as possible. I don't neccessarily agree with the list, but whatever. What I want these threads to do is cause discussion and anyone who does any stupid crap like, this film sucked, and not give a reason for it will get a 3 day ban. State your reasons for why you didn't like the film, or why you liked it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion as long as they can explain that opinion. If you can't explain it, then don't even bother posting


So, I will start with City of God and this review is taken verbatim from the review I did on 2+2. I will try to do two or three of these a week, so here we go




City of God takes place in the late 60s and mid 70s Rio De Jeneiro(mainly in the 70s). We are given insight into the gang wars that broke out in the late 70s in the slum area of Rio called the City of God. The main Character is named ROcket who does the narration of the story(and much of it is taken from his perspective). We see his struggle to not get involved in the underworld lifestyle and the violence that is a fact of life there.

What grabs you from the begining is that this is something different then you have seen before. Right away you are taken into a world that no one is used to, and that most ignore. THe opening film shots grab you right away, and not long after, you are completely engrossed in this film. THe begining paints a rather bleak portrait of the area as all of the houses are the same, there are no paved roads, and there is this dirt orange color everywhere. Though, when we fast forward to the 70s, there is still a bleakness, there is more hope as the colors of the City of God are a bit more radiant, but at the same time, there is still a grey urban enviorment that people are trying to escape, through any means neccessary.

What really grabs us is the life of violence that all of the people there live in. Whether it be through murder or robbery, crime is a way of life, and those that don't partcipate in it have to live with that fact. We even see that though there may be an occasional peace, it is fleeting, and when a long peace ends, brutal war englufs society. Children are lost and a society becomes lost. Those involved in it want to prove their manhood by killing or using drugs. One of the most poignant parts is when a young kid, no more then 15, comes to one of the gangleader's place to give tell him what the young boy's leader has to say to his rival. After hearing what is said, the rival tells the young boy that he is just a boy, and why is he involved. THe boy answers by telling him that, "I smoke(pot), I snort(coke), I rob, and I kill, I am not a boy, I am a man." That line right there sums up the situation that has come over Rio at that time. Boys trying to grow up too fast, and getting themselves involved in things that they really don't have a full comprehension of. In the end, all we learn is that you can't escape the cycle of violence no matter what you do. It will always be a part of the City of God. We also learn though, that there are a few people, who can rise above it and become more then just a hood.

It is a well written film and one that keeps you involved the whole way. THe story may sometimes jump around, but, it gets filled in later. THe pace of the film though makes it so that you don't notice that parts were left out that they ended up coming back to later. There are very few actual bad guys in this film, and it really shows you the shades of grey that exist, and shows you how people try to make an existance when they are well below the poverty line. We as people from decent backgrounds may be shocked, but you have to realize that we are all people just trying to carve out our little place on this earth in the time that we are alive. Through all the violence, there are positives to be looked at, and it is those positives that make this film so great

Overall: 5
rewatchability: Often, but you need to space it out.It is a film that after you see it, you want to watch it for several days straight, and then wait a while to see it again, but when you do see it again, you want to see it several times in a row again. THe dialouge is amazing, and the camera shots are spectacular. This is a must see. It is subtitled as it is spoken in portugese


RATINGS (out of 5):
0 - This is a complete waste of time, and you will regret wasting it
1 - don't bother unless no other options at all
2 - okay for a single watch, if you've got time
3 - Definite watch if you get a chance
4 - See it very soon, at least once before you die
5 - See it immediately, no excuses

This movie sucked.

I thought it was so poorly made, and easily one of the most overrated films I have seen in recent memory. Some of the worst acting I have seen, and the directing in this movie is just god awful. There is nothing positive about this movie. The plot is absolutely ridiculous, and a complete joke. You say the dialogue is good, I say it is a piece of ****. It is just another movie trying to glorify violence and drug use by saying that it will lead to power. I give it a 0, no a -5, it was that shitty. Mainly, I don't want to have to any of those ****ing subtitles, what is up with that bull ****, give me a break. I'm American, not Malaysian or whatever the **** this is.

In all seriousness now. This film was great, easily in the top 3 for 2000's films, possibly my number 1. One of the more powerful films you will see. On top of that it is just wonderfully made. The directing, contrary to what I previously wrote, is absolutely amazing. The story is told in a very clever way, and it really adds to the story as a whole. My honest opnion, 5, easily. If you have not seen this movie, do so now.

I will rent it tonight then, thanks for the heads up guys.

I read your first paragraph and I was prepared to flame.... so I'm disappointed after reading the 2nd lol. Yes.... great movie... I saw it for the first time on the Independent Film channel... if you don't have this channel its great and I highly recommend it.

easily one of my favorite channels by a mile. starz or encore also has a really good channel on digital packages called signature. They don't overdub foreign films and give us great films to boot in general

any nudity?

Amazing film. I remeber reading somewhere the director used mostly, if not all, amateur actors, straight from the favelas, which makes this movie even more compelling. I especially enjoy the fact that they don't try to make, as KDawg mentioned, anyone out to be the super bad guy. Everyone is simply doing what needs to be done in order to survive. A must see movie.

By the same token, I find certain similarities to another movie I'd like to recommend. The first feature movie by Mira Nair "Salaam Bombay" is a terrific and accurate slice of caste turmoil and life on the streets of Bombay (Mumbai). Again, most of the actors were amateurs and had to be taught how to act without any Bollywood inflections, so it makes it that much more palpable a viewing experience.

I rate both films very highly (about an 8 out of 10). You might do well to watch them on the same evening, but you'll have to watch a comedy after that...

Uhh...it's been a while since I've seen it, but I recall the kid that led the motel robbery (don't remember his name) being one of the most violent psychopaths I've seen portrayed in recent memory.

That said, the film is excellent.