With the release of the long-awaited sequel to “City of God” after 22 years since its debut, it’s the perfect time to revisit the classic and have a marathon of both the film and the new Max series.
The story tackles themes such as violence, poverty, crime and corruption, depicting the harsh reality of the Brazilian favelas. The production was so acclaimed that it managed to be nominated for four Oscars.
The Brazilian drama was directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. It is based on the book of the same name by Paulo Lins and is set in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Check out where to watch the thriller in US…
How to watch City of God on streaming in the US
Currently, there are two ways to watch “City of God” in the United States and both require a subscription, as the classic starring Alexandre Rodrigues as Rocket is available on Fubo and Prime Video.
It’s not the only option, though; you can also buy or rent it through Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV. The price varies depending on your choice, ranging from around $3.99 (rental) to $14.99 (purchase).
What is City of God about?
The story is set from the 1960s to the 1980s and chronicles the lives of several characters living in the favela known as City of God. Through a series of intertwined events, it follows the rise of organized crime in the favela.
The plot focuses on the lives of Rocket (played by Alexandre Rodrigues) and Li’l Zé (portrayed by Leandro Firmino), who have very different paths but whose lives intersect crucially.
Buscapé, a young man who dreams of becoming a photographer, tries to escape the violence and criminality surrounding him. Zé Pequeno, on the other hand, is a ruthless criminal seeking to consolidate his power in the favela.