Fernando Meirelles’ City Of God Returning to UK Cinemas

Fernando Meirelles’ iconic masterpiece, City Of God is coming back to UK 21 years after it’s release.

French based Festival Agency are responsible in bringing this visually stunning film back to our screens. A gripping story of life on the mean streets of Rio, following a group of kids growing up in the poverty-stricken favelas of of the Brazilian city.

The wonderful cinematography captures the kinetic energy and chaos of the environment. The intense, visceral performances of the cast, mostly non-actors drawn from Rio’s favelas, vibrate with authenticity.

City Of God always ranks highly in many of the greatest ever films ever made polls. What better time to go see this on the big screen, where it should be seen.

A searing adaptation of Paulo Lins’ novel, based on real events, CITY OF GOD weaves together the compelling stories of a group of kids growing up in the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio from the 1960s to the 80s. The narrator Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), tries to avoid being drawn in to the usual spiral of violence and crime to become a photographer and win over the beautiful Angélica (Alicia Braga), whilst gun-toting L’il Zé (Leandro Firmino) with charismatic best friend Bené (Phellipe Haagensen) becomes the brutal crime boss of the city, wiping out rival gangs without remorse. When crack shot Knockout Ned (singer/actor Seu Jorge) is dragged into the fray, the vicious turf war between the last two remaining gangs reaches boiling point.

The film stars Alexandre Rodrigues, Alicia Braga, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, and Seu Jorge.

The Festival Agency will be releasing City Of God in several territories: First up this month will be Hong Kong/ Macau. Here in the UK it will be 23rd February with Ireland 15th March, Australia also 23rd February. The Middle East will be 22nd February.