Cidade de Deus

Plot summary

Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a housing project built in the 1960's that--in the early 80's--became one of the most dangerous places in Rio de Janeiro. The tale tells the stories of many characters whose lives sometimes intersect. However, all is seen through the eyes of a singular narrator: Buscapé, a poor black youth too frail and scared to become an outlaw but also to smart to be content with underpaid, menial jobs. He grows up in a very violent environment. The odds are all against him. But Buscapé soon discovers that he can see reality differently than others. His redemption is that he's been given an artist's point of view as a keen-eyed photographer. As Buscapé is not the real protagonist of the film--only the narrator--he is not the one who makes the decisions that will determine the sequence of events. Nevertheless, not only his life is attached to what happens in the story, but it is also through Buscapé's perspective of life that one can understand the complicated layers and humanity of a world, apparently condemned to endless violence. Written by Sujit R. Varma

Brazil, 1960's, City of God. The Tender Trio robs motels and gas trucks. Younger kids watch and learn well...too well. 1970's: Li'l Zé has prospered very well and owns the city. He causes violence and fear as he wipes out rival gangs without mercy. His best friend Bené is the only one to keep him on the good side of sanity. Rocket has watched these two gain power for years, and he wants no part of it. Yet he keeps getting swept up in the madness. All he wants to do is take pictures. 1980's: Things are out of control between the last two remaining gangs...will it ever end? Welcome to the City of God. Written by Jeff Mellinger {jeffmellinger@astound.net}

Cast of Cidade de Deus

	Alexandre Rodrigues	...	Buscapé - Rocket
	Leandro Firmino	...	Zé Pequeno - Li'l Zé (as Leandro Firmino da Hora)
	Phellipe Haagensen	...	Bené - Benny
	Douglas Silva	...	Dadinho - Li'l Dice
	Jonathan Haagensen	...	Cabeleira - Shaggy
	Matheus Nachtergaele	...	Sandro Cenoura - Carrot
	Seu Jorge	...	Mané Galinha - Knockout Ned
	Jefechander Suplino	...	Alicate - Clipper
	Alice Braga	...	Angélica
	Emerson Gomes	...	Barbantinho - Stringy
	Edson Oliveira	...	Barbantinho Adulto - Older Stringy
	Michel de Souza	...	Bené Criança - Young Benny (as Michel De Souza Gomes)
	Roberta Rodrigues	...	Berenice - Bernice
	Luis Otávio	...	Buscapé Criança - Young Rocket
	Maurício Marques	...	Cabeção - Melonhead