City of God (2002) poster1

Brazil10 Essential Brazilian FilmsStop 1 of 10

City of God

Cidade de Deus

2002 · 129 min · Drama

Over two decades in a violent Rio de Janeiro favela, a sensitive young man dreams of becoming a photographer while a childhood acquaintance rises to rule the drug trade. Fernando Meirelles's electrifying, kaleidoscopic epic of crime and survival.

Why it’s here

A Portuguese-language Brazilian crime drama and one of the most globally visible modern Brazilian films.

Runtime
129 min
Genre
Drama · Crime
Mood
tense · thoughtful · dreamlike
Entry
easy entry
Best for
first visit

Content notes: war or political violence · violence or threat · substance use Non-exhaustive

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Part of 10 Essential Brazilian Films

This film is stop 1 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Brazil. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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