The story is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of several characters living in the favela called Cidade de Deus, or City of God. The protagonist, Rocket (played by Alexandre Rodrigues), serves as the film’s narrator and provides insight into the brutal and violent world of the favela.
The film begins with Rocket recounting his childhood growing up in Cidade de Deus. He introduces the audience to various key characters, including his brother Goose (played by Renato de Souza) and his friends Benny (played by Phellipe Haagensen) and Lil Zé (played by Leandro Firmino da Hora).
As Rocket narrates, the audience witnesses the rise of Lil Zé as a ruthless and power-hungry drug lord within the favela. Lil Zé’s reign of terror is marked by violence, murder, and the exploitation of vulnerable residents.
Meanwhile, Benny, a charismatic and compassionate young man, seeks to escape the cycle of violence and poverty by pursuing a career as a photographer. He becomes a symbol of hope and aspiration for the residents of Cidade de Deus.
The film depicts the harsh realities of life in the favela, including the prevalence of drugs, crime, and gang warfare. Despite the pervasive violence, Rocket maintains his innocence and dreams of becoming a photographer like Benny.
As the story unfolds, tensions escalate between rival gangs vying for control of the drug trade in Cidade de Deus. Lil Zé’s thirst for power leads to a bloody conflict with his rivals, resulting in widespread death and destruction.
In a tragic turn of events, Benny is killed during a botched robbery, leaving Rocket devastated and disillusioned. The loss of his friend serves as a wake-up call for Rocket, prompting him to reevaluate his own aspirations and choices.
In the film’s climactic finale, Rocket witnesses Lil Zé’s downfall as he is betrayed by his former allies and ultimately killed. With Lil Zé out of the picture, Rocket is able to pursue his dreams of becoming a photographer, capturing images of life in Cidade de Deus with honesty and authenticity.
In the end, Rocket reflects on the cycle of violence and poverty that plagues the favela, acknowledging that while some may escape its grasp, many others remain trapped in its unforgiving grip.
“Cidade de Deus” offers a gritty and unflinching portrayal of life in the Brazilian favelas, shedding light on the systemic issues of poverty, inequality, and violence that persist within these marginalized communities. Through its compelling narrative and raw cinematography, the film leaves a lasting impact on viewers, challenging them to confront the harsh realities faced by those living on the fringes of society.