City of God (2002) (Cidade de Deus)

“Cidade de Deus” is a Brazilian film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. All characters are real, and the film is based on true events. It is an adaptation of same name novel written by Paul Lins. The film won numerous awards. Though the story is cruel, violent and shocking, directors gave “Cidade de Deus” some kind of legerity making it quite interesting.

The story is narrated by Buscapé nicknamed Rocket (At different ages, the roles are played by different actors.), a young man, who grew up in the Cidade de Deus and the only person, who seems to be keeping away from gang wars, drug dealing and trafficking. He dreams about becoming a photographer. Yet, his story is not essential. He narrates the story of others.

Cidade de Deus is a neighbourhood near Rio de Janeiro. The film covers period of time from the end of 60s to the beginning of 80s and growth of organized crime during that time. It starts with an original and admiringly simple scene of an armed gang following running chicken. The time stops when Rocket comes across the gang and we go back to the 60s. In my opinion, it is a strong and beautiful start for a film.

After witnessing destructing poverty and cold-blooded massacre of motel inhabitants by sociopath child Zé Pequeno, we jump into the 70s. Zé Pequeno and his best friend Benny are grown up now. They have established a drug empire by eliminating all other competitors. Despite power, Zé is not successful with women and his sociopathic nature cannot cope with it. His actions give a start to the war between the gangs.

“Cidade de Deus” is a breathtaking film, which you will most definitely enjoy. The story of the film is so original, incredible and shocking that even if there were lacks in directing or actors’ performances, you would hardly notice. But directors and actors have done a marvelous job. The scenes are well-paced and well-thought. Only one role was played by a professional actor. The rest of characters were played by real-life favelas, what makes film even more interesting since their performances are amazing.

This film is a great watch in the company of friends. Be prepared for violence!

Reviewer’s rating: 9.0 out of 10

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

It is an exciting and interesting thriller film directed by Brad Furman and starring Matthew McConaughey. Based on the same name novel, film shows the dirt behind the success of lawyer who still has some moral. Whole film and counter-moves reminded me the game of chess.

Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is the successful attorney driven around by his former client in beautiful Lincoln Town car. He is divorced and has a young daughter. Everything goes smoothly until he accepts the case of Louis Roulet, playboy son of wealthy real estate company owner Mary Windsor. He is accused of brutally beating prostitute and attempted murder and rape.

Roulet seems innocent and claims that the prostitute together with her lover have set up whole case.  She accuses him in beatings in order to make money. Haller and his investigator Frank Levin studies evidence and injuries of victim.

The nature of beatings reminds Haller of his previous client’s case. He is in jail for murdering a woman. Though this man claimed to be innocent, Haller convinced him to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding death penalty. Haller visits him in jail, and shows Roulet’s picture. He becomes agitated and is taken back from the meeting area.

Haller begins to suspect Roulet in murder and in an attempted murder. But his hands are tied by attorney-client confidentiality rules and he cannot inform the police. He has to be careful in order to remain safe and sound and clever enough to put Roulet in jail.

Matthew McConaughey's performance is impeccable and the story is gripping and interesting. It is much more complex than I have described here. The film is a nice evening watch in the company of friends.

Reviewer's rating: 7.0 out of 10