Movie Minx

Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino
Directed by: Fernando Meirelles

Plot: Two boys growing up in a violent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro take different paths: one becomes a photographer, the other a drug dealer.

But is it any good?

I watched this movie (called City of God in English) a few years ago at an Auckland film festival, in a cinema with starlights glowing on the dark ceiling and wispy pretend clouds floating by, plus the pillars and heavy velvet curtains of old theatres (uncomfortable seats, though). That particular screening had sold out and I was stuck way at the back. Still, all these distractions were not enough to prevent me from being blown away by this film.

It’s a bleak but realistic depiction of the cycle of violence in Rio slums, which are crowded, filthy, desperate places where young kids tote guns like pros, and drugs and murder are just another day. No, I’ve never lived in one but I was in Rio when there was a massive gang shootout and twelve people, including innocent bystanders, died. That was a year after seeing this movie.

The plot revolves mainly around two boys who take very different paths in life, with a strong cast of supporting characters who will make you flinch and cry and feel hopeful. But it’s not just the storyline that drags you into this film, it’s the rich cinematography and rapid-fire editing. It’s a long movie but you wouldn’t know it. Even sitting on a rock-hard, slightly askew seat.

IMDb’s rating: 8.8/10
My taring: 9/10

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