# City of God (2002)

> An aspiring photographer navigates the rise of ruthless gang power in Rio's City of God while trying to escape the violence shaping his community.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/478

## Facts

- Runtime: 129 min
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Director: Fernando Meirelles
- Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva, Jonathan Haagensen, Matheus Nachtergaele, Seu Jorge, Jefechander Suplino
- TMDB rating: 8.4/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317248/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: breakneck
- Intensity: extreme
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: urgent, visceral, disturbing, intense movie night, crime film marathon

## Synopsis

A gripping tale of survival and ambition set against the backdrop of gang warfare in Rio de Janeiro.

## Movies like City of God

- [Mars One (2022)](https://ember.film/movie/645936)
- [7 Prisoners (2021)](https://ember.film/movie/557875)
- [Bus 174 (2002)](https://ember.film/movie/4107)
- [The Secret Agent (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/2972217)
- [Elite Squad (2007)](https://ember.film/movie/3811)
- [Trash (2014)](https://ember.film/movie/120266)
- [Estômago: A Gastronomic Story (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/48384)
- [Two Rabbits (2012)](https://ember.film/movie/69401)
- [Carandiru (2003)](https://ember.film/movie/4108)
- [My Name Ain't Johnny (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/10446)

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