palabras BIANCA I LAUREANO

If you missed City of God when it was released in 2002, blasphemy! City of Men is the “companion film” to City of God by director Paulo Morelli and writer Fernando Meirelles. The film shares the story of the everyday people living in a Rio favela caught in the middle of devastating violence. Yet, City of Men captures an element of Brazil that is rarely discussed in Latino cinema: fatherhood and friendship among hombres.

You’re sure to recognize similarities in the friendships that the characters in City of God created with one another. These relationships are taken a step farther into adulthood. Best friends since childhood Wallace and Ace struggle with the challenges of adolescent parenthood and searching for an absent father.

Although we do not follow characters for decades as in City of God, Morelli still takes us on a 2-hour journey. We follow several youth who form protective and restrictive street organizations in Rio favelas, and it all comes full circle with Wallace and Ace at the center. Morelli captures several days of complex events: turf wars, family reunification, adultery, and searches for status and independence. With just as much violence (but not the amount of casualties as in City of God) we see how people’s daily lives are affected by violence.

Incorporating the same approach to cinematography and casting as in City of God, the entire cast are non-professional actors. Most captivating were the clips of Ace and Wallace in early adolescence (it really is them!). We literally see them mature into young men. The breathtaking aerial view of Rio and surrounding scenery,the beautiful people, and magnificent original score of City of Men must be seen in the theatres. Don’t wait to see it when it gets to Netflix.

(check out the hilarious finale to the TV series City of Men which appeared on cable. It might all get a bit confusing but the two best buds Acerola and Laranjinha are left wondering where their professional lives will take them. Their big dreams involve acting in a sitcom and winning an Emmy. -ed.)