“City of God,” the 2002 Academy Award-nominated Brazilian film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, turned a lot of heads that year with its stylish and brutal chronicle of the favelas (slums) of Rio De Janeiro and the ruthless gangsters therein.
The film did so well, it launched Meirelles career onto an international stage (he went on to direct “The Constant Gardener”) and begat the celebrated and immensely popular spin-off TV series “City of Men” in Brazil.
‘Men’ was then spun-off itself into its own feature-length film, directed by Paulo Morelli, who helmed many of the TV series’ episodes. While it’s not a sequel, per se, a lot of the same actors are seen and themes explored.
The soundtrack, released earlier this year and composed by Antonio Pinto (“City of God,” and the incredibly moving, “Central Station” by Walter Salles), spins a lot of similar flavors of Brazilian funk and pop from the original film. Though all tracks are Brazil-influenced, some have dubbed out moments (“Dub Love”), funk with rap vocals overtop (“Vietnam a Brasiliera”), and some straight up atmospheric stuff (“Nefasto”).
We have three prizepacks to give away that include the soundtrack CD and the poster of the film. The first three people that email us get a copy. It’s that simple. However, to score the grand prize version with a poster signed by Fernando Meirelles, one has to answer this question: How many seasons were there of the original “City of Men” TV drama. The grand prize is gone.
“City Of Men” the film opens up this weekend February 29.
Watch: “City of Men” trailer
I saw City of God at a festival – I loved it!!!!