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City of God

[cert 18, 130 mins]

City of God is a housing project built in the 1960s
that in the early 1980s became one of the most
dangerous places in Rio de Janeiro. The tale tells
the stories of many characters whose lives
sometimes cross. The story is told through the eyes
of a Busca-Pé, a poor black youth, who is growing
up in a very violent environment. The odds are all
against him. But Busca-Pé discovers that he can see
reality differently. He has an artist's point of view,
as a keen-eyed photographer. Through Busca-Pé's
lens we see a world, apparently condemned to
endless violence.

Director: Katia Lund, Fernando Meirelles

Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva

Level: AS, A2

Subjects: Citizenship, English, Film Studies

Related Links:

City of God study guide