AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Onlinewsma Absolutely Brilliant!

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Lela The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

groggo This is a powerful 19-part fictional series, based on real events and characters, that is ingeniously filmed on the streets, beaches and the notorious favelas of Rio de Janeiro. 'City of Men' recounts the many experiences (some very funny) of two teenagers from the slums trying to remain reasonably honest while poverty, racism, gang warfare and police brutality surround them. The close friendship of the two teenagers is brought to the screen with rare intensity by Darlan Cunha as Laranjinha, a disconnected but charismatic and streetwise figure, and the often bewildered, likable and always horny ('I don't want to die a virgin') Douglas Silva as Acerola. Both of these boys are not trained actors, and were 14 years old when the series started in 2002 (it ended in 2006). It's fascinating to watch them work.The series is bathed in brilliant day-time colour and ominous night-time danger. People in this film live close to the edge. Murder is an everyday event.The only problem I had with the series is the rapid-fire quick cuts and the shaky hand-held cameras. If this style doesn't bother you, sit tight and enjoy the ride. For me, the sizzle and the dazzle are often unnecessary and distracting. Too much focus (literally) on style, and the messages of the film are blurred somewhat because of it.

pandacanon I myself am a huge fan of the original 'city of god' but was surprised to watch this spin off and find it very middle grounded. there are many differences between the two, most of them working negatively towards COM.In COG, the use of short, sharp editing and hand-held camera work gave the feeling of realism, the gritty surroundings of Rio were portrayed in a more convincing manner than they are in City of men.If you have an expectancy to view an insight into hoodlums' lives and actions you will most likely be let down overall, COM deals with the two main characters, both young and naive, it shows their schooling, their everyday chores instead of a real deep insight into crime.overall, it was not what i expected or even wanted, but if you liked city of god but found it maybe a wee too grim, city of men does water it down a level. the level of enjoyment does depend on what you want out of this mini series.in a nutshell; a soap opera but with violence 5/10 - not as crime based as i would of imagined,

Hugo Lopes This is the story of two kids that leave in Rio DE Janeiro. From the same creators of "City of God", with the same actors. While "City of God" is more about traffic of drugs in Rio DE Janeiro, this movie is more about the community that lives there. It's a comedy with a touch of drama and the traffic of drugs in this movie it's only a background!With an excellent group of actors, the principal characters(Laranjinha and Acerola) are interpreted by Douglas Silva and Darlan Cunha. If you like this type of movies, this will probably be one of the best films you'll ever seen. In my opinion better than "City of God". Excellent in all aspects..

findesigns I've just seen the first two episodes after buying the UK edition of this amazing mini-series. Of course I watched the Film "City Of God" and thats how I came to hear of this. For those who say the series isn't as good as the film I don't think it should be compared to the film...sure it shares many things with the film, specially the humour and cinematic style but lets judge this on its own as it's NOT a film. The music is excellent, the acting (especially Douglas Silva) is superb, and the cinematography is beautiful. The two episodes I've seen are brilliantly structured and I can't wait to see the rest...I only wish there were more episodes in each series (only 4 in the 1st and 5 in the 2nd). A pleasant surprise is the occasional computer animated sequence based on the narrative or what Silva's character is imagining..these are implemented so well that they really add to the atmosphere and feel of the show, and they're done with great humour.For anyone who saw the film and is worried this won't be as exciting or "complete" forget your worries. I've only watched the first 2 episodes and my "City of God" thirst has already been quenched. But it's not all fun, and yes this is, like the film, also so memorable because it seems quite realistic and it grabs at the heart. You feel like you are getting a real taste of Rio slum life from a kids perspective, and although the overall experience is enjoyable I also find it quite sad and moving at times. Sometimes Silva's acting feels so real I wonder if he's not actually remembering real life problems he's run into on the streets. There's a wonderful moment in the first episode after he's been mugged where his character (Acerola) starts crying, and for a brief moment glimpses at the camera. To me its not like a "save the children" moment..it really is a "you see what I have to deal with!?" kind of moment, and for me it works superbly.So my advice is if in your TV series' you like fresh ideas, great acting, original presentation, quality filming, addictive story lines, and some wicked humour then watch City Of Men.