City of God (2002)

City of God is technically accomplished and I understand its place in film history. But it left me cold. The poverty and crime element felt mechanical and I never connected emotionally. Maybe I'll try again someday.

City of God builds so carefully to its conclusion that when it arrives you feel genuinely moved. The cycles of violence thread pays off in a way that's earned rather than manipulative. Couldn't sleep afterward.

I've seen City of God multiple times now and it just keeps getting better. the non-professional cast is something rarely matched in cinema. If you haven't watched it yet, clear your evening.

Everyone told me to watch City of God for years. Finally did and instantly understood why. the humanity within the brutality is immediately apparent. Now I'm recommending it just as loudly to everyone else.

I liked City of God when I first saw it, but the second viewing is where it clicked. Once you notice how Fernando Meirelles and Katia Lund plants every detail early on, the whole film transforms. Layers everywhere.

City of God commits to a conclusion that not everyone will appreciate. I found it perfectly right — it refuses easy comfort. If you want tidy resolution you may be frustrated. If you want truth, it delivers.

Whatever you think of the story, City of God is one of the most visually extraordinary films ever shot. There are frames here that belong in a gallery. Worth seeing on the biggest screen possible.