Cidade de Deus: A Luta Não Para

It's been 22 years since I watched City of God in a art theater in college. I was truly expecting something pretentious and boring like most foreign films at the time. What I saw was not only one of the best films I'd ever seen, it arguably will keep me from ever buying a ticket to visit Brazil, lol. Having immigrated from the Caribbean, it manages to capture the vibe of where I came from to a level that's unnerving.

The TV show picks up where the first film came off in tone. The writing is superb and realistic, capturing interpersonal relationships at a deep and complicated level. The writing of the personalities of characters is incredible. The show is a true joy to watch. I thought this time, the show would be a cash-in. It's not, it's a classic. I hope the entire season maintains its intensity but if it's like the last movie, we're in for a ride!

I've just watched episode 1 and it really brings in the same feelings i've had while watching the movie. As a brazilian, i must say, even though this portraits the saddest side of our reality, we can proudly say it is as well our biggest gem. "City Of God" is a global phenomenon paired with the biggest movies of all times. This TV series seems to be heading towards the right path, respecting the original material. We get to see old characters returning. It gives you those fast paced camera angles from the main character (a photographer) point of view vibes we're already familiarized with, and also introduces some new ideas by putting amazing actors and actresses from our country to the table. Definitely worth watching, and i can tell that this is just gonna get better and better.

I've just watched the Pilot episode and I'm already very intrigued. They really nailed the feeling and look of the original movie "City of God". I'm glad they picked up some of the old characters instead of creating a whole new set of them. They reintoduced each character nicely, aswell as the new ones. There are a lot of parallels to the original movie, which I love. The trademark fast paced editing and the upgraded cinematography got be sucked in straight away, it makes you feel like you're right there, watching. They ended the first episode with a cliff hanger and I'm very, very exited to see where this is going.

Can't wait for Episode 2.

9/10 for me.

It falls flat on almost every front, especially when compared to City of God. While the original captured a raw, visceral portrayal of life in the favelas, blending violence and beauty in a way that resonated deeply, the series squanders that legacy. Instead of focusing on authentic storytelling, it feels like the showrunners are more interested in pushing an agenda, sacrificing depth in the process.

The acting is painfully unconvincing, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The writing lacks the sharpness that made the film so powerful. Where the movie found beauty in the gritty reality of the favelas, the series seems confused-painting the ugliness of violence and corruption with a strange sense of admiration, almost as if it finds beauty where none exists.

A disappointing follow-up that misses the soul of its predecessor, offering a shallow, poorly-executed narrative.

I didn't have high expectations on this series due to the success of the original movie, but I was surprised by the overall poor quality in this series.

I mean, production is definitely good, but acting is so poor it hurts at some moments and, even worse, the dialogues sometimes are so bad that they seemed to be written for kids by other kids.

I didn't even feel like finishing the season, but I did it and I don't recommend you do it unless you are really curious or have time to spare, otherwise you will be disappointed as well.

This feels like one of those situations where they stretch the boundaries of a good and original move to make more money or of it, unfortunately.