City of God

Rarely do I enjoy other people's favourite films as much as I enjoyed this. When watching old classics the more you're expected to love it, the less I want to. And sometimes it's only with extra viewings away from the pressure that you find the appreciation said film deserves. An excellent example of this is Bladerunner. I really disliked it first time I watched it. I could see that it had a great scope of influence on future works but as a film it wasn't for me. I do like it more now, but I wish I'd discovered it on my own.

So to City of God. I was nervous. It's my boyfriend's favourite film ever and I had never heard of it. But it was his birthday and so I bought it for him and hoped I'd enjoy it when the time came to watch it.

I needn't have worried. The film is really something! It's gritty without being depressing. There are so many strong personalities in the film. The plot is extensive but easy to follow. It reads almost like a book. There are chapters, and within those are sections of the story that are easily digested.

For a film with gangsters, it avoids stereotypical threats and cheesy lines. In fact some of the gangsters are more like hippies. There are comedic elements but also some incredibly dark scenes.

This is such a short review but I wouldn't want to spoil a thing.

One short note: The film is subtitled, I know some people hate that, but this really is wonderful.