JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
Sep 12, 2024
Table of Contents
Building on a legacy that profoundly shaped national culture, ‘City of God: The Fight Rages On’ had a significant challenge to face: not only honoring the original film’s narrative but also updating the story to reflect more contemporary issues.
City of God
‘City of God’ (2002) is a critically acclaimed Brazilian crime drama set in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro directed by Fernando Meirelles and co-directed by Kátia Lund. The film is based on the 1997 novel of the same name by Paulo Lins, which was inspired by real events of the rise of organized crime in the neighborhood called “Cidade de Deus” (City of God).
Based on the work of the original novel’s writer Paulo Lins, the spin-off takes place twenty years after the events of the feature film, in the early 2000s. Based on the memories of Buscapé “Rocket” (Alexandre Rodrigues), the production portrays the impact of conflicts between rival gangs, a very currupt law enforcement, and drug dealers in the lives of the community’s residents.
The series streams on HBO Max and the first episode begins by reintroducing us to familiar territory: the dangerous streets of the favela, where violence and survival are intertwined. The opening sequence is almost a perfect match to the opening sequence of the original film. The fast pace is shown in every element, from the performances and the cinematography, to the editing and the music. The atmosphere is immediately intense, with fast-paced action and a very palpable sense of danger looming over the characters.
The cast is composed of returning faces from the original film and a couple new ones and is one of the stronger elements of the show so far. Actors reprising their roles from the original film bring a wealth of depth to their characters, who are no longer a teen or young adult, but now more world-weary. The lingering trauma and hardened attitudes that come with surviving the brutal environment they had been exposed to in such formative years is very expertly portrayed. Our beloved Buscapé “Rocket” (who now goes by Wilson) returns as a recognized police photographer. The series expertly reintroduces several characters from the film, showing how their lives have evolved. It’s thrilling to see Alexandre Rodrigues return to his iconic role. This time, Rocket’s mission is different: where once he captured the harsh realities of his community, now he seeks to highlight its more positive aspects.
We also follow Rocket’s best friend, Stingy “Barbantinho” (Edson Oliveira). Now the president of the residents’ association, he serves as a stabilizing force amidst the divisions within the favela, alongside Cinthia (Sabrina Rosa), the association’s founder. Cinthia, the widow of Knockout Ned, continues his legacy of leadership but she actually leads the community to a better place. Their son, Delano, teaches jiu jitsu, fighting daily to steer the children of the community away from crime. Roberta Rodrigues shines as Berenice, the widow of the infamous bandit from The Tender Trio. She has become a maternal figure to the community, committed to helping everyone in the City of God. Meanwhile, Thiago Martins portrays Bradock, the boy who killed Lil Zé. After years in prison, Bradock returns to reclaim his former status as leader of the drug trade. But the favela has a new kingpin, Curió (Marco Palmeira). Unlike Lil Zé, Curió prefers diplomacy but isn’t afraid to use violence when necessary. His former right hand man and someone he claims to consider his son, Bradock, is trying to reclaim “The Apartment’s Corner”.
New characters like Jerusa (Andréia Horta), a lawyer entrenched in the criminal world, promise to be central to the unfolding plot. Returning faces like Reginaldo “Melonhead” (Kiko Marques), a corrupt cop from the original film, keep the series deeply connected to its roots. Overall, the cast delivers powerful performances that are crucial to the show’s emotional depth and authenticity. Whether familiar or new to the world of ‘City of God’, these actors breathe life into the story, making it both a continuation of the original film’s legacy and a fresh, compelling narrative in its own right.
The first episode of ‘City of God: The Fight Rages On’ dives headfirst into the relentless cycles of poverty, crime, and violence that continue to define the favela. Initially, the idea of a series following such a complete and iconic film as ‘City of God’ felt unnecessary. Yet, within minutes, the storytelling proved to be captivating and I was hooked. The reality remains stark: some things never change, while others only worsen – as Rocket himself says. The writing paints a bleak picture of a community still trapped in the same conflicts, despite the passage of time. However, moments of resilience and humanity shine through, suggesting that even in the darkest of places, there is a desire for change and redemption. Wilson “Rocket” quickly reclaims his role as a captivating protagonist and narrator, guiding us through the familiar yet evolved world of the City of God. His words resonate powerfully: “I search for life, but always find death.” The harsh truth is that, for many in the City of God, the search for a better life often leads to dead ends. The series takes the thematic groundwork laid by the original film and deepens it, exploring not only the immediate violence but the long-term consequences of a life lived in such a harsh environment.
Visually, ‘City of God: The Fight Rages On’ excels, maintaining the raw, immersive style that made the original film so impactful while introducing fresh cinematic elements suited to a series format. Similar to the original film, the series adopts a documentary-like realism, with natural lighting and a raw, unscripted feel to many of the shots. Rapid cuts and shaky handheld shots immerse viewers in the chaos of gang warfare and survival, making them feel the adrenaline and danger that infiltrates daily life in the favela. The camera often moves with the characters, adding to the frantic pace of these sequences. Yet, the cinematography also knows when to slow down and focus on the emotional core of the story, allowing the weight of the characters’ experiences to sink in.
Overall, the first episode of ‘City of God: The Fight Rages On’ sets a powerful tone for what promises to be a thought-provoking series. It reestablishes the world of the favelas with sharp storytelling and richly developed characters. Fans of the original film will find much to appreciate, while new viewers will be drawn into this raw and gripping portrayal of life in one of the world’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
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JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
JuliaMaia is a writer and filmmaker originally from Brazil. She grew up watching every piece of television and film she encountered from all over the world, which inspired her to come to Los Angeles to study film. She always knew that in order to be happy and fulfilled she had to be surrounded by art. She is always in search of the next film, show or performance that will inspire her. Her background in filmmaking helps her appreciate the technical elements of a film, as well as relish the journey of each story being told. There is not a topic Maia enjoys talking about more than film and the film industry and how it impacts the world and vice versa. The Hollywood Insider is the perfect platform for Maia to participate in the discourse about anything film related with many that , much like herself, love to take part in real important conversations and deeply appreciate the art of telling stories.
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