Cidade dos Homens

Cidade dos Homens is Meirelles' return to the domestic television audience after the international success of Cidade de Deus, a film he admits he did not intend for exposure outside Brazil. Turning to the domestic arena with a slightly more altruistic/socio-political agenda, Meirelles is perhaps not as 'punchy' a director as he was in the original feature but is taking on a much more challenging topic. The series, rather than purely the mini-feature, is helping to break some ground in the nation's film and television industry and is certainly worth a look.

This Brazilian series is set in the city of Rio de Janeiro; in particular in a crowded favela known to its inhabitants as 'The Hill'. We mostly see this world through the eyes of teenage boys Acerola and Laranjinha. Each of the episodes sees them getting into various escapades... often with the ultimate intention of getting together with girls or schemes to earn some money.

When I started watching this I expected it to be rather downbeat but despite the fact that the Favela is shown as a dangerous place we see that despite their poverty our protagonists have a certain Joie de vivre... some episodes compare their lives to the 'playboys', children from wealthier parts of the city, and we see that there are many similarities. The way the series is shot on hand held cameras in the favela makes what we see seem very real... taking us into this world without feeling like the televisual equivalent of 'poverty tourism'. Each episode provides a good self-contained little story which features plenty of unforced humour. The cast are impressive; most obviously Douglas Silva and Darlan Cunha as Acerola and Laranjinha but also secondary cast members; they may not be as polished as one would get in a Hollywood production but they feel like real people. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody looking for something a little different... my only disappointment was that the UK DVD only included the first two seasons.

These comments are based on watching the first two seasons in Portuguese with English subtitles.

Cidade dos Homens uses the same ingredients that made Cidade de Deus such an amazing film: Fast and inteligent dialogs, which usually focus on the violence of RJ, beautiful art work, great soundtrack and talent kids. Now, in it's second season, the show continues to show us with humor and drama how much stuff is wrong in this powerful country. Its a shame that not many other countries will be able to see this.

Cidade dos Homens belongs to Cidade de Deus' world. However, its not such well done stuff. However, it shows the reality with a more realistic approach. If you liked Cidade de Deus, try to see this mini, but don't expect such a gorgeous creation.

When I saw the DVD set come out in the UK I had to pick it up. When it got here, I broke it open and popped it in the next day. I finished both seasons within 12 hours.

I don't really know what to say other than see this now. If you liked City of God, you will not only like this series, but you'll love it. It's amazing. It could be the best mini series I've ever seen.

I used to brag to people about a film called "Cidade Des Dues" before it was widely known. People now seem to have embraced the film and given it the respect it deserves. I will now spread the word of the amazing mini-series.

I can't emphasize enough how good this was. I paid 15 euro's shipped to my door, and I would have paid more than double after seeing it.