City of God | Why It Will Stick With You - Film Analysis

[@FDSignifire]

Damn how did I forget about this!

[@itakeonmovies]

It was only a matter of time before you got to it I'm sure! ✊🏾

[@jeffpeyton8983]

We got a sequel series for this folks!

[@EcologistaCarioca]

Hi, I really liked your analysis of the movie, I grew up in the city of god in the 90s, and comparing with the decades shown in the movie unfortunately it only got worse over the years... The first memory I have of there was the first murder I saw live, I was 6 and on my way home from school. Currently the violence in the city of God is "veiled", but still very noticeable and the people continue to suffer from the ills of poverty, inequality and racism, I leave the favela about 10 years ago, currently I work as a teacher in a favela near the city of God and I hope every day that my students can break the cycle of violence that weighs so heavily on us

[@itakeonmovies]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing this. I think you're the first person to tell me firsthand how it was to live there. I'm sorry to hear about the hard things you've had to see and or endure. But I'm also appreciative of the teaching work your doing there. I know it can't be easy, but I know it's rewarding. Doing anything you can to help those kids is amazing!! Salute to you and best wishes to you and your students ✊🏾

[@basicjenkins]

This film shook me to the core when I first saw it. I was fourteen and it came on at like 2.00am on the weekend (the standard time for one channel over here to show foreign films) and it was honestly the catalyst for me becoming increasingly aware of societal imbalance from country to country and probably put me on the path to actively trying to learn more about the world outside of my little small town bubble.

[@itakeonmovies]

Same! I love hearing this becasue I think that's part of the film's goal. For me it started by doing some research on a Favela, then why Favelas exist and then followed the rabbit hole into other countries. As you mention, societal imbalance is everywhere and these issues connect us more than we realize. 🙏🏾

[@basicjenkins]

@@itakeonmovies Also same! I researched the favelas which led me to read more about the hood and then more about the schemes in my country and realised these places exist everywhere. I've never heard anyone articulate it in such an eloquent manner as this before though, love your content, man!

[@itakeonmovies]

I really appreciate that. It's definitely important to talk about so just trying to do my part and so are you by taking the initiative to read and learn as well. 🙏🏾

[@baitman2368]

​@@itakeonmoviesyeah and Europe is always there if you look at why there's so much racism and inequalities.

[@brycost4637]

I already worked well against the city of god, this movie is the bible of movies, everything you find in this movie, emotion, passion, revolt, betrayals, it's the best movie of all time

[@itakeonmovies]

Its definitely in my top films of all time, but I'm definitely not mad at those who think its the greatest of all time, its that great!!

[@jakedefenbaugh603]

Really tho, scary

[@mutanopaiva45]

This is arguably the best film I've ever seen.

[@itakeonmovies]

I without a doubt beleive its in my top 5, but I definitely see the argument for it being the best! I am not mad at this at all. ✊🏾

[@bobbuilder4422]

@itakeonmovies what else is in your top 5 sir?

[@gabrielgarcia7554]

The English translations of the names that the film provides are not the best, Little Zee is Zé Pequeno which really means Little Joey, because his name is José (pronounced Joh-zeh, not like Hoe-Say, which is Joseph in English) Zé is the nickname for people named José so basically his name is really Little Joey. Same with Dadinho, they translated it as Little Dice but really his name is Eddie, it comes from Edurardo (Edward) and it becomes Dado which literally means dice (like the game pieces) the -inho suffix is a diminutive (just like the -y suffix, Joe to Joey, Catherine to Cathy, etc.) so Dado means Ed, and Dadinho means Eddie. For me I found that the fact that Little Zee’s name is really Little Joey more threatening about him, this is a name that sounds like it belongs to a harmless individual like your childhood best friend or something but really it belongs to one of the most sadistic people we encounter in film. The irony of their names adds another dimension to the film that I get upset that people who don’t speak Portuguese miss out on because the translations of the names are too literal haha.

[@itakeonmovies]

I've been doing this for almost a year now and I can tell you this is probably one of the most informative comments I've received on one of my videos. I had no idea about their names holding this much meaning and only adds to the great things about it. Like you said Little Joey somehow makes the character of Lil Ze more menacing. And what a great explanation about the culture in general. I'm from California, but am a huge fan of Ronaldinho, and noticed a lot of other Brazil players had an inho at the end of their names. Never really knew why until now. This is great! Seriously appreciate the info!! 🙌🏾

[@kateFGMP]

This comment is from one year ago so I don’t know if anyone else said it, but the nickname Knockout is translation of Mane Galinha, galinha in Portuguese is a man who has a lot of lovers without any commitment, I think knockout is the same thing, BUT galinha is the word for chicken, and chicken has a great symbolism in the film (like their lives are disposable). In the beginning of the movie they’re preparing chicken with carriots. And Carriot is the rival thug in the movie. Chicken couldn’t be used because means coward in English and he wasn’t one.

[@samsquanch1996]

This movie kind of reminds me of a dirtier, more barbaric version of S.E Hinton's The Outsiders, especially towards the end when tensions between the two gangs heat up after Benny dies.

[@itakeonmovies]

Great comparison, I hadn't even thought of that until you mentioned it. There are a lot of similarities, the whole coming of age story mixed in with the crime element. I agree City of God is definitely more bleak and less mainstream. ✊🏾

[@LixRG]

I might be biased because I grew up in a favela in Brazil, but yeah, this is a rare 10/10 for me too. Thank you for your analysis, I really enjoyed it.

[@itakeonmovies]

Practically a perfect film and I'm sure being from their makes it's even more special. Thank you for watching! ✊🏾

[@kateFGMP]

I don’t know if anyone else said it, but the nickname Knockout is translation of Mane Galinha, galinha in Portuguese is a man who has a lot of lovers without any commitment, I think knockout is the same thing, BUT galinha is the word for chicken, and chicken has a great symbolism in the film (like their lives are disposable). In the beginning of the movie they’re preparing chicken with carriots. And Carriot is the rival thug in the movie. Chicken couldn’t be used because means coward in English and he wasn’t one.

[@pestyobsrvr4278]

Legit this is my favorite movie of all time. I only ended up finding it in a Watch Mojo Top 10 and fell in love after finally seeing it myself. It was familiar for a hood movie but strange being foreign. Lil Ze is a terrifying character and his end is gruesomely poetic.

[@itakeonmovies]

That's exactly it. We watch a lot of hood movies, but this is a masterpiece amongst them. Not just for the story, but filmmaking in general. As well as everything else you just said. That connection we feel despite it being foreign is why its so important. And Lil Ze man...I couldve done an entire video just on this dude alone. Such a good character who's ending couldn't have been anymore perfect! ✊🏾

[@KahNabiz]

@@itakeonmovies please do this video 😍

[@scorpiolady73]

The book is HORRIFYING!!!! I had to read it in chunks. It is just a whole slew of stories like this. And it is gripping and viseral. I prefer the movie.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah the book is definitely more disturbing than the film, but the film is pretty unsettling too. Knowing how accurate it is to the novel is both crazy and sad.

[@asanteismyrealname]

Incredible movie... I haven't watched it in so long. I literally just stopped everything and put it on.

[@itakeonmovies]

It's definitely one of those ones I gotta throw on every now and then. It's that good!

[@Goku22411]

I completely forgot City of God, need a rewatch.

[@itakeonmovies]

I rewatched it again before making this video, feel like it only got better. ✊🏾

[@orangemaster345]

I’m so glad I’ve found this channel

[@itakeonmovies]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate that! More to come. 🙏🏾

[@orangemaster345]

@@itakeonmovies Looking forward to it! I watched back some of your past videos and one thing I can say is you’re really consistent and amazing! So I’m definitely here to support ✊🏾

[@itakeonmovies]

Man..makes me feel like I'm doing something right. I really appreciate you. 🙏🏾

[@KahNabiz]

Thanks for the review 🇧🇷

[@itakeonmovies]

Of course! Thank you for watching. 🙏🏾

[@faqu_0]

Good job. This movie is amazing!! Gritty and real!

[@m3work]

Never saw this movie but looks pretty symbolic, fire I’m going to use your channel as summaries so I have more movie knowledge 💯

[@itakeonmovies]

Bro I think you'd love it and appreciate the connections. And feel free man I know I'm not the most knowledgeable dude, but anyway I can help. 🙏🏾

[@AndySomething]

Great review! You have a good taste in films 👏 haha. This is arguably the best film I've ever seen. Definitely in the top 5. Its portrayal of Rio's favelas feels so authentic and real. Out of interest have you ever seen The Wire? It likewise gives an honest depiction of hood life, but also explores the institutions of cities and how they connect, and help to reinforce the socioeconomic positions of those who grow up in the ghettos.

[@itakeonmovies]

I truly appreciate you and thanks haha, I try to. Every now and then I'll like a pretty dumb movie though..lol. City of God is definitely not one of them. It is a true classic and I would agree its one of the best ever. Probably would agree it should be top 5 as well. Such a great, yet important film for its depiction if the favelas and other themes. To answer your question, I have seen the wire and also love The Wire. Exactly for the reasons you expressed. I feel like there's probably no greater show that details the management of crime in the hood both ways. I'd live to do an analysis of that show one day too, but it'd probably be like a 10 part video and over 2 hours long..lol

[@AndySomething]

@@itakeonmovies Oh yeah, I like plenty of schlock too 😆 haha. Yeah it's phenomenal. I was in Vienna a couple years back & got chatting to a Brazilian who was on holiday. We ended up talking about City of God and she was astonished that people outside of Brazil had heard of it. I feel you lmao. So many things to discuss and analyse in that show. I'm trying to get my partner to watch it with me. I hope she gives it a chance; I know its pacing can come across a bit slow for modern sensibilities in what people expect from a series. But I remember years ago someone making the case that The Wire is more akin to a good novel. That it doesn't try to get your attention - it demands it. And if you give it your time it rewards you immeasurably. That always stuck with me.

[@itakeonmovies]

Nice. I've never had the privilege of speaking to someone from Brazil about this film or just Brazil in general, but would love to. I think its important to get those perspectives, we may end up realizing we're more similar to each other than we think. And I can see that analogy. I think The Wires writing is so well done for a show it almost seems like it's selource material is novel-ish. And I haven't tried with my wife for the same reasons..lol. I do think it's a show that has such compelling characters and storylines they should be able to get into it easily. Ive seen people I forsure thought would hate it, enjoy it. I really think it's just one of those, "once every generation" kind of shows.

[@Baker19911]

Wow this is soo well done! Keep up the content bro!!

[@itakeonmovies]

I appreciate you fam. And I absolutely plan on it.

[@hinglemccringleberry11]

Great video man. Love this film thank you for your well thought out analysis!

[@itakeonmovies]

Thank you for checking it out. More to come! 🙏🏾

[@jasonashley4579]

I grew up in an Italian neighborhood, grandparents were from Castlevetrano Sicily, we watched lots of gangster movies as a kid, after I saw city of God I nicknamed my Taurus 65 Lil Dice.

[@danielfarina4851]

Just the fact that you went on searching about slavery in Brazil and the origins of Cidade de Deus neighborhood already make your analysis one of the best in youtube. Housing was and it still is a major problem in all brazilian big cities, because when slavery was finally abolished in 1888 most of these new freed people didn't had acces to good jobs (most of the better jobs went to european or other non black immigrants) and couldn't afford to buy a home, so they lived wherever they could. Cidade de Deus is even more interesting because it originated from a government housing program, but as you've read it, it was not all sunshine and roses as the program relocated this community to a very, very distant place from the city centre back in the 60's, making it difficult to find a job or integrate in any form with the rest of the city. Interesting fact: in the scene shown at 07:28 you can actually see a plaque behind them with the name of the housing program and the governor who approved it, and that's why the houses look all similar in the depicted 60's time. Keep up the good work and I hope you watch more brazilian movies!

[@itakeonmovies]

I really appreciate the kind words! 🙏🏾 But yes, I think City of God offers a glimpse into what the after-effects of slavery and discrimination was like in other countries. I think us Americans tend to have a pretty singular perspective when it comes to this, when in reality black people exist and were effected in many other areas of the world as well. What's great about this movie is that it shows that our hoods/favelas/ghettos are one in the same. And wow I didn't know that about the plaque! That's an interesting easter-egg. If you don't mind me asking, are you from Brazil?

[@danielfarina4851]

@@itakeonmovies I think you're right! We as societies might have much more in common in our daily struggles than most people know or acknowledge. But it's not rare for people from central countries to focus only in themselves, while people from peripheral countries often look and are influenced by the central ones. I don't know if I would consider the plaque an easter-egg, but a nice detail of something that really happens and simply add realism to the movie. Just like the choice to film with locals and almost no pro actors made the movie so legit, because they were familiar with the surroundings and the characters personalities and lives. And yes! I'm from Brazil and lived most of my life in Rio, but I'm not black and I've never lived in a favela though. If you're interested in watching more brazilian movies I believe the following are good choices and probably can be found with english dub or subtitles: - Elite Squad (1 and 2) - Carandiru - The Second Mother - Central Station

[@marcusmv6960]

I m from Rio de Janeiro, love this movie and liked a lott your review. Very nice. Thank you🤙

[@itakeonmovies]

Cheers to Brazil from California friend! Thank you for checking out my video! ✊🏾

[@Daniel-ds5ld]

Great video and analysis

[@itakeonmovies]

Thank you! Means a lot really. ✊🏾

[@jokaman03]

I've only seen bits and pieces of this movie. I have been meaning to watch this but always got sidetracked.

[@itakeonmovies]

Totally understand. Still til this day I don't think I've seen Titanic all the way through in one sitting lol. This movie pulls me in every time it happens to be on. 🙏🏾

[@vsnature7146]

I love your take. Especially on how relatable or universal i should say the “Hood” is. On that note please watch a movie called “Kidulthood” if you havent already, i would love to know your opinion on the movie

[@itakeonmovies]

Definitely eye opening to see all of the differences, yet so many similarities all over the world. And Kidulthood, I haven't even heard of this, but will add to my list. I Always appreciate the suggestions, thank you! ✊🏾

[@jakedefenbaugh603]

It’s really does, and is amazingly crazy

[@itakeonmovies]

One of the craziest movies I've ever seen.

[@dannieldf]

I am Brazilian and I identify myself as a person engaged with social improvements. And I think that the idea that the problem lies in social differences is extremely harmful for society to evolve, as it does not generate perspectives, only forced policies that are not sustainable, but that engage people, generating useless efforts. The root of the problems and the path to solutions, in my view, do not end there. Everything said in the video is true, but it is not pragmatic.

[@vilu97]

O cara entendeu mais do sistema brasileiro que a maioria dos brasileiros

[@parsajafari4826]

U r brilliant ❤

[@itakeonmovies]

You are my friend! ✊🏾

[@JayCity10]

Can you an analysis on God from In Too Deep. L.L. Cool J. was a deprivaved monster in that film.

[@itakeonmovies]

I would love to. He was surprisingly a pretty complex character in a very underrated movie. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Marco-mg2cw]

Gringo

[@ThaRealERAQ]

I never got why ppl love this movie so much it was always boring and not compelling like a menace boys in the hood or juice above the rim etc etc.

[@itakeonmovies]

I obviously have to disagree. As someone who has never been to Brazil, I think City of God places you into its world better than most films do. I also think the story is highly engaging, boasting one of the most sinister film villains I've ever seen. Seeing how these kids have to navigate in this world that seems so big, yet claustrophobic, kept me interested. But I respect your opinion forusre, I imagine some may not like it.

[@ThaRealERAQ]

@@itakeonmovies look at how many views your menace 2 society video got compared to this. both 2 years old about. menace 64k this one 7k. that explains it all. this is just not popping like that.

[@itakeonmovies]

@ThaRealERAQ Well menace II Society is an American film and most of my audience is American so that is simple math. Any film critic will probably argue City of God is the better film. However, it's all subjective. I'm not saying you're wrong in terms of which is better I love them both, but to say City of God is not good or compelling is an interesting take.

[@sapofeministopepe1159]

Tropa de elite é melhor filme react

[@brunoelribeiro]

Não em termos de cinematografia!

[@rafaelhpalomino]

Tropa de Elite é uma merda.