Based on the hit Brazilian TV series which director Paulo Morelli produced, CITY OF MEN is based on the troubled lives of Brazilian youth caught between poverty and survival.  Like the classic 2002 hit CITY OF GOD, Morelli’s direction is full energy with his camera often moving as fast as the characters.  This time on, the narrative is more conventional, concentrating on the relationship of two 18-year olds instead of a story that jumps through different periods of time.

Best friends Ace (Douglas Silva) and Wallace (Darlan Cunha) live in one of Rio De Janeiro’s favelas but things come to a boil when they get involved Wallace’s cousin’s gang warfare.  Morelli deals mostly with familial issues – Wallace and his son Clayton; both the boys’ fathers; the grandmother – with the result that the film takes a more commercial footing.

For a film dealing with violence, killing, drugs and other adult issues, Morelli’s film is pretty tame.  Even the reason for Fatso’s defection to another gang is not exploited.  No drugs or drug taking are shown on screen and the blood letting is minimal.  The result is a less dramatic effect on the audience that CITY OF GOD.  Killings still occur.  But Morelli’s film is assured and smooth in execution.  The beginning sequence where Morelli uses an excursion to the beach to introduce all his characters is masterly done.  But he uses too many flashbacks, a few of which are clumsily inserted.  Interesting is one where his flashback illustrates a different happening as the voiceover is heard.  But the unwritten rule of filmmaking is that a flashback always tells the truth.

CITY OF MEN is well orchestrated with effective camera work.  Showing often both sides (the beauty and filth) of the city and surroundings, the audience will witness a more realistic look at Brazilian life outside tourist circles.