Watch City of God: 10 Years Later

City of God: 10 Years Later is a 2013 Brazilian documentary film that revisits some of the characters from the acclaimed 2002 crime drama City of God, directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. The documentary is directed by Cavi Borges and Luciano Vidigal, and it explores what happened to some of the actors and subjects of the original movie, as well as the changes that took place in the titular neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro.

The film begins with a prologue that briefly recaps some of the visually stunning and violent scenes from City of God, providing a context for the themes and characters that will be revisited in the documentary. The prologue is also a reminder of the impact that the earlier movie had on Brazilian and international audiences, as well as the controversy it generated about the portrayal of favela life and the ethics of violence in film.

After the prologue, the documentary introduces the first of its many interview subjects: Darlan Cunha, who played the role of Lil Dice/Zé Pequeno in City of God. Cunha is now a young adult who reflects on how the role changed his life and influenced his choices. He talks about the challenges of growing up in a poor community that is affected by drugs, gangs, and police violence, and how he tried to avoid the same pitfalls that some of his former castmates fell into.

The documentary then shifts to other individuals who were part of City of God, such as Renato de Souza (Buscapé), Douglas Silva (Acerola), and Leandro Firmino (Zé Pequeno), as well as some of the real-life characters who inspired the story, including gang leaders and drug dealers. The interviews are candid and emotional, as the participants share their memories, regrets, hopes, and fears.

Throughout the documentary, the directors also use archival footage, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and montages of the current state of City of God to illustrate the transformations and continuities of the neighborhood. The footage shows how some of the landmarks from the film have been modified or destroyed, how the demographics and the architecture have changed, and how the residents have adapted to new circumstances.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the question of how to reconcile the past with the present, especially when some of the characters from City of God have experienced violence, addiction, incarceration, or disillusionment. The filmmakers do not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of life in the favelas, but they also show some glimmers of hope and resilience, as some of the interviewees have found new careers, families, or artistic expressions.

Another theme is the impact of media and cultural representation on the perception of favela life, as some of the interviewees express their ambivalence about being identified as "gangsters" or "heroes" by the media, and how they try to counterbalance the stereotypes by telling their own stories and advocating for their community.

The documentary also explores some of the political and economic factors that shape life in City of God, such as the role of the government, the police, and the drug market. The filmmakers interview some activists and experts who discuss the challenges of combating poverty, violence, and inequality in Brazil, and the need for social justice and human rights.

In summary, City of God: 10 Years Later is a thought-provoking and poignant documentary that offers a nuanced and engaging perspective on a complex and dynamic subject. The film does justice to the legacy of the original movie, while also standing on its own as a valuable contribution to the genre of non-fiction cinema. Whether you are a fan of City of God or a curious observer of Brazilian culture and society, this documentary is worth watching.

City of God: 10 Years Later is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.