City of Men

I've just seen the first two episodes after buying the UK edition of this amazing mini-series. Of course I watched the Film "City Of God" and thats how I came to hear of this. For those who say the series isn't as good as the film I don't think it should be compared to the film...sure it shares many things with the film, specially the humour and cinematic style but lets judge this on its own as it's NOT a film.

The music is excellent, the acting (especially Douglas Silva) is superb, and the cinematography is beautiful. The two episodes I've seen are brilliantly structured and I can't wait to see the rest...I only wish there were more episodes in each series (only 4 in the 1st and 5 in the 2nd). A pleasant surprise is the occasional computer animated sequence based on the narrative or what Silva's character is imagining..these are implemented so well that they really add to the atmosphere and feel of the show, and they're done with great humour.

For anyone who saw the film and is worried this won't be as exciting or "complete" forget your worries. I've only watched the first 2 episodes and my "City of God" thirst has already been quenched. But it's not all fun, and yes this is, like the film, also so memorable because it seems quite realistic and it grabs at the heart. You feel like you are getting a real taste of Rio slum life from a kids perspective, and although the overall experience is enjoyable I also find it quite sad and moving at times. Sometimes Silva's acting feels so real I wonder if he's not actually remembering real life problems he's run into on the streets. There's a wonderful moment in the first episode after he's been mugged where his character (Acerola) starts crying, and for a brief moment glimpses at the camera. To me its not like a "save the children" moment..it really is a "you see what I have to deal with!?" kind of moment, and for me it works superbly.

So my advice is if in your TV series' you like fresh ideas, great acting, original presentation, quality filming, addictive story lines, and some wicked humour then watch City Of Men.

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.

This is a powerful 19-part fictional series, based on real events and characters, that is ingeniously filmed on the streets, beaches and the notorious favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

'City of Men' recounts the many experiences (some very funny) of two teenagers from the slums trying to remain reasonably honest while poverty, racism, gang warfare and police brutality surround them. The close friendship of the two teenagers is brought to the screen with rare intensity by Darlan Cunha as Laranjinha, a disconnected but charismatic and streetwise figure, and the often bewildered, likable and always horny ('I don't want to die a virgin') Douglas Silva as Acerola. Both of these boys are not trained actors, and were 14 years old when the series started in 2002 (it ended in 2006). It's fascinating to watch them work.

The series is bathed in brilliant day-time colour and ominous night-time danger. People in this film live close to the edge. Murder is an everyday event.

The only problem I had with the series is the rapid-fire quick cuts and the shaky hand-held cameras. If this style doesn't bother you, sit tight and enjoy the ride. For me, the sizzle and the dazzle are often unnecessary and distracting. Too much focus (literally) on style, and the messages of the film are blurred somewhat because of it.

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.

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.