City of God: The Fight Rages On is a traditional sequel. It takes place years after the events of the first movie and follows some of the same characters—mainly Rocket, who is starting to doubt his calling as a photographer. “I was selling innocent blood for shit salary,” he says as we see him take part in the media exploitation of mostly Black deaths in the city. The series’ social commentary is its strongest point. It remains sharp and poignant, this time focusing as much on capital-powered unethical journalism as on political corruption and state-sanctioned violence. It’s also just as vibrant and mesmerizing as ever, capturing the diversity and passion that electrifies the city. But the series also repeats its plot, only this time it’s more cynical because we no longer see things unfold through Rocket and his friends’ then-naive eyes. The teens in this series seem equally hardened, so it’s a shame to lose that freewheeling spirit that made the film feel so compelling. Still, the series is worth watching if not for the same twists and dizzying style, then for the thoughtful social criticism it offers.
"It's not as strong as the film that inspired it, but it’s still a smart series with insight into what life is like in its favela."
— Cristina Escobar
Twenty years after City of God, Buscapé recounts how conflicts between police, traffickers, and militias impacted the community.
Twenty years after the events of the first film, the decrepit City of God in Rio de Janeiro is still run by gangs and paramilitary groups. Though a bona fide photographer now, Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) inadvertently finds himself and his 15-year-old daughter in the middle of danger.
Cidade de Deus, a character in its own right.
It’s good! But the film is better.
