City of Men

• Between incredibly endearing actors, authentic locations, and storylines that bring back warm, joyful memories, City of Men is an immensely captivating series, upbeat and rhythmic like a samba (the soundtrack is full of vibrant energy and freshness).

• Virtually the entire City of God team reunites in this series set in the favela through the perspective of two teens. The premise is original and transports us into a world that isn't always understood; we find touches of humor, sensitivity, drama, violence, and love in a series approached with great intelligence. The 4 stars are thoroughly deserved.

• We become deeply invested very quickly in the lives of these two children whom we watch grow into young adults, because they are thoroughly endearing and, above all, wonderfully portrayed by two superb actors (Douglas Silva and Darlan Cunha).

• In short, the series is really great; I actually find it more realistic than the film. You truly see the makeshift houses built on the hills, the mazes of alleys, and even though violence is present, the series has more of a social focus than the movie, spending more time exploring the living conditions of the favela residents.

• Each episode is thus focussed on one particular element, like education, the first kiss, rich vs. poor, “white” vs. “blacks” and eventual gang recruiting. More outspoken here, than in “City of God”, is the documentary style. The location, the situations and the actors make it all look like real events.

1 / 5