THIS SERIES IS A FICTIONAL WORK
IT DOESN'T REPRESENT REAL EVENTS OR PEOPLE
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
You're dead!
Hold him down!
Please! No!
Fuck!
Fuck.
For the last 20 years,
this has been my daily routine in this wonderful city.
I left the slum, but the slum didn't leave me.
It's over! Go home!
And things in Rio de Janeiro are on fire.
Hide! Fuck!
Come! All clear!
In my life I tried to stay away from crime,
crossing the streets to avoid the police.
But my love for photography
made me go back to the place I always tried to leave.
Watch out!
Get that! Shoot! Fuck!
Crime reporters in Rio live in an eternal war zone.
-Fuck you! -They are on the left!
You've got to be brave,
and a little insane to be in the middle of crossfire
just to get the best shot.
Here!
Things were far from easy in the beginning.
But you get used to it.
As journalists say, I got tougher.
When I took that picture of Li'l Zé,
I had no idea photographing dead people would become my specialty.
Back then I chased chickens.
But nowadays? I chase the police.
Because, in Rio, where there's police, there's death,
and where there's death, there is news.
Don't move!
Let's go!
Go! Go!
Let's go!
Fuck!
Motherfucker!
They're shooting at us! Motherfuckers!
Shit.
I guess some things never change. Right?
But some just get worse.
Back then, thugs used guns, pistols and knives.
Kids nowadays run around with rifles, machine guns and .50 caliber.
Police used to come here to arrest and collect kickback.
Let's go!
But these guys are here to kill.
BATTALION OF SPECIAL POLICE OPERATIONS
When I took my first shots,
we were always between the police and drug dealers.
Now there are worse people.
They look like the police,
the same guns, and act like the police,
but they're worse than any thug I have ever met in Rio.
I'm press.
But it's too soon to talk about them.
CITY OF GOD THE FIGHT RAGES ON
First, I need to tell you how I became the most famous photographer
in Rio de Janeiro's biggest newspaper.
You know how it is.
A guy born and raised in the ghetto, gets the hang of things in Rio.
And as my old man used to say,
"When you know the river's curves, fish get caught in the net."
In my case, the net is an old camera,
and fish are all kinds of thugs that roam around here.
In all these years as a journalist,
I've won some prizes which are great door weights.
I also took a bullet in the leg,
a shrapnel in the shoulder, and I have a screw in the tibia.
I'm the man when the subject is death.
But truth is, if I could choose,
I'd go back to taking photos of the gang,
the black parties, and the kids flying kites.
Copacabana full of people.
Angélica.
Hey, Rocket, taking pictures already?
Every time I go to the dark room to develop the photos I take,
I remember the day that changed my life.
Rocket, take a picture.
Barbantinho used to say
I had a way of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Motherfucker!
Soviet attack!
But that time I think I was in the right place at the right time.
Because thanks to that photo, I became a photographer.
No. It's not that.
The police or the press. Or the story is simply not worth it.
How are things with the bodies?
Are they recognizable? Are they carbonized?
Okay. I'll see.
I'll let you know.
Wilson, this is great, man.
This is great, man!
Matheus, and the transfer to the sports magazine?
I'm too old for this stuff.
Be glad you'll be on the cover again.
Smile for a change.
-Enjoy it! -I'm smiling.
They found two more bodies at Blue Gardenia.
It's the third time this month.
Matheus, I just told you. Can't you send Pierre?
Sure. I'll send Pierre...
with you.
Now go get that front page for your collection. Go!
Hey, Matheus.
I'm still your boss.
Show me some damn respect!
Another tragic day at Blue Gardenia.
The police has no new evidence about the suspects,
but it's likely they were involved in a war
between gangs,
which, for years, have troubled Rio's capital.
The military has been raiding the City of God and Blue Gardenia,
in the west side of Rio, since this Wednesday morning.
In the City of God, agents from...
To photograph crime and survive, there can be no mistakes.
You need to know when to shoot, and when to lower your gun.
Leka!
See who's at the door!
I'm busy!
Leka! Goddamn it.
Can't even open the door.
-Sweetie. -Hi, Mom.
What a miracle.
That's as rare as hen's teeth.
-Have you eaten? -Not really.
Then let's eat.
That's enough, Mom. I'm full.
Hey.
Here. That's all I have, it's been a tough month.
I have to go.
Barbantinho won't leave me alone because of the campaign.
Leka is upstairs. Aren't you going to see your daughter?
Go see your daughter.
-That song. -It's like this. Look.
I'm riding hard
You just wait and see
What's with the face?
You always sing about riding, about your pussy.
Then you write it, clown.
I'm going to write about ass. Listen up.
My ass is thick Call me sweet cheeks
My ass is thick
At least it's different.
-I have to go, Mom. -Sit down.
-I'm late, Mom. -Sit down!
My mom believes she can read people's fate
with a handful of shells in a plate.
If only I had believed her orishas that day,
maybe I could have avoided all of the disgrace
that changed the City of God forever.
But before I get into the tragedy,
I need to tell you about the good things.
This wall, Rocket.
Don't call me Rocket. I told you to call me Wilson.
Come on, Rocket. No one here calls you Wilson.
Just take the picture.
-Unbelievable. Okay. -Do it.
I left the City of God a long time ago, but Barbantinho stayed.
But we're still close.
But that's friendship. We're close even apart.
He's like a brother to me.
-You need a wheelchair, right? -Yes.
-Stop by the office. -Sure.
-Get better soon. -Thanks.
-Bye. -God bless you.
Barbantinho is the president of the residents' association,
coach of the soccer team,
and he still has the best moves of the community.
Come here, kids. Let's take a picture. Come on.
Remember Benny? Benny would be proud of Barbantinho.
Everyone in City of God loves him.
So he decided to run for councilor this year.
Make the peace sign.
How are you, man?
The community used to be known
for thugs like Li'l Zé, Knockout Ned and Carrot,
but now it's time for Rio to see the other side of the slum.
What's up?
Alright, man?
That was Barbantinho's dream.
And of course I had to support my friend.
I'll talk to them.
Right.
-How's it going? -Hi.
-You good, bro? -Sure.
-Hey, man. -You good?
-What about Arlete? -She opened an Internet café.
-Tell her I'm visiting. -You got it.
Do you know him? Arlete's son.
The beers...
What's up, guys?
The kids are playing.
What's up, kids?
Go to the association, ask for a ball, and I'll pay a soda to the winning team.
Smile for the camera.
One more. Nice.
Come on, Amanda. Try harder.
Pay attention, kids.
Nice. Get in control. You did it.
Delano is another great guy in the City of God.
But, unlike Barbantinho,
he believes change needs to come from the inside,
like his mom taught him.
Are we done?
Great.
He always says he's not into politics,
but he does his best to keep the kids away from crime.
Teacher, did you think about that thing?
I don't know, Amanda.
-Why not? -Your father.
It's my sister's birthday. It's the least you could do.
I'll think about it.
-Please do. -Okay.
Delano, my favorite teacher in the world.
-You're wearing shoes on my tatami. -My bad.
Our champion girl!
Hi, Barbantinho.
-Hi, Cinthia. -Rocket.
-It's so good to see you. -Actually, my name is Wilson.
Sure, Mr. Wilson. Can you believe it?
Sign the authorization, Barbantinho. We're buying light poles for the court.
Really? Great!
I'm talking about the good guys in the City of God,
but neither Barbantinho or Delano would be half as great as they are
if it wasn't for Cinthia.
Cinthia is the kind of woman that can turn tragedy into strength.
After everything Li'l Zé did, and Knockout Ned died revenging her,
Cinthia found out she was pregnant, and when Delano was born,
she did everything to make sure kids in the slum
didn't have the same fate her friends did.
So she created the residents' association,
and she runs it with Barbantinho.
One more. Nice.
Careful. It has to be perfect. So fix that.
What the fuck, Spider? It's right in the middle of the court!
Where are people going to dance?
There's the girls, the kids and the band!
Relax, Berenice. It'll be great.
It's going right here. You'll love it.
-Now it looks like a samba school. -Right!
-Hey, Barbantinho. -My God.
You good?
-It's good to see you. -Hi.
Hey. How are you?
-It's looking good. -See? Fifteen years, Barbantinho.
-Let's talk about the election. -Sure.
I'm taking pictures for the campaign. I need the support of your school.
Who said it's his school?
-It belongs to the community. -You're absolutely right.
-Yeah. -I'll call everyone.
You see how it is, Rocket?
Further down. The kids have to be in the photo.
Big smile, guys.
Celebrity is here!
The famous Rocket!
Genivaldo Curió does everything his way, but under the table.
After Li'l Zé died and Carrot went to jail,
the kids from the Runts couldn't run things for long.
So Curió took over the slum.
I can't deny that, in his own way,
Curió helped Barbantinho and Cinthia to make the City of God
a little more peaceful.
Dayane is dying to go on a cruise, so I got that.
Everyone can enjoy it. How are things going there?
Berenice is complaining about the mess, but everything's fine.
There's no place for the drums, Spider.
Make space, Spider! For fuck's sake!
Berenice, I want the samba host and flag-bearer to be spectacular.
Spectacular.
Rocket, your daughter's playing at my party.
Sure.
Dayane is 15 years old. Time flies.
It really does.
This party is going to be legendary.
And you will be the photographer.
Sorry, man. I have to work.
I promised her the best.
You must be at my little girl's birthday party.
Am I right?
Berenice, tell PQD that I want him at the party.
You know those friendly guys?
Those who get everything they want with sweet talk?
That's Curió.
Almost everyone here adores him, except a few like Berenice.
After Shaggy was killed,
she never wasted her time on thugs again.
Berenice spent some time away to forget her pain,
but she got homesick and came back.
Now she's like a mom to people here.
She says what's on her mind and cares for everyone.
Get down!
Are you insane?
Berenice's motto, "I hit them so the police won't."
-Berenice! -Yeah!
She's amazing.
Jesus...
Look what I've done. Look what your mother did.
But it worked.
Lower hit! Come on!
Get out of the way!
Don't fall.
Come on! Fuck!
That one is well known in the community since Li'l Zé's time.
Bradock was the leader of the Runts,
the kids who killed Li'l Zé. and took over The Apartments' Corner.
But you know how things are. When kids make a mess,
there's always an adult to set things straight.
So Curió took over everything.
Bradock became the leader's right hand.
Until he was arrested a few years back.
There's something in your mouth.
You should have stopped when I fell.
My bad, man.
What's up, my man?
You did good.
This is for you.
Ceará. Great.
Antena, take this.
Waldemar Cavalcante.
-It's me. -Get your shit and come with me.
Why? What do you want? Nobody told me I was being transferred.
You're not being transferred. You're free.
Are you messing with me?
Hurry up!
Come on!
Fuck.
Bye, Ceará!
-You deserve it, man. Go on. -Freedom!
Listen up!
I'm fucking free!
I'm free!
You owe me.
It'll be my pleasure.
My God!
Yeah.
Chop-chop! My client is in a hurry.
I'm free, ma'am.
I'm free as a bird.
You first.
Thanks.
I missed this shit.
Hello, Rio de Janeiro!
Nobody's going to fucking stop me!
Waldemar Bradock is in the house!
I'm fucking free!
Stop the car. I want to go for a swim.
You got it.
Salt water.
We're here with the Secretary of Security.
Reginaldo, what can you tell us
about the crime that got two German tourists killed last Friday?
Our wonderful city attracts tourists from all over the world,
and it needs to be able to offer security to its visitors.
But I have faith we will punish those delinquents.
Reginaldo Cavani.
Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Security.
Who would've thought?
Our paths crossed a few times in the past.
But you guys know that back then he was known as Melonhead.
The motherfucker terrorized the community.
He made money bribing.
He arrested thugs, asked for kickback and released them.
-Where are you going? -I need to see that! Wait.
He has made fame and fortune killing thieves in the South Zone.
Then he became paladin of justice and joined politics.
So he didn't really change careers, just climbed the ranks.
What's that?
He was the one after the Tender Trio,
the Robin Hood-like gang my brother was part of.
-We got to go! -Let's go!
The case involving the tourists moved me,
because of the cruelty those thugs had murdering the couple.
We're already in touch with the families to facilitate the bodies' transfer.
TOURISTS HOMICIDE SHOCKS RIO DE JANEIRO
Well done, Dad.
The media loved that you mentioned the tourists.
You could have mentioned the election.
Are you trying to teach me what I should or should not say?
Hold on.
SECRETARY OF SECURITY
Do whatever you want with me.
-Get ready for the party. -What party?
Our little party here is better.
Curió's daughter's 15th birthday party.
I want to see his face when he sees his prodigal son is back.
The party is beautiful.
Great.
Axé.
-Enjoy the party. -Hi.
Gorgeous.
Thank you.
I don't know how to use this thing.
It's just a lipstick, hon.
Look who's here.
MC Leka.
What's wrong with you now? Are you high?
Come on. Stop that.
You lost all respect. You can grope me if you want, right?
Don't pretend you don't like it. Come on, baby.
-Genny, stop. -Listen.
You think you can do whatever you want at your dad's party.
-Thank you. -Did you forget who you're talking to?
My God!
Look at his pistol!
Let me see if it's charged, Genivaldo Jr.
Help Ana Ju.
-Sure, Berenice. -Touch her hair up.
What is this kid doing here?
-No one knows. -What's up?
They're getting ready and need privacy. Get the hell out!
Give me the tweezers.
-Get him! -You're done.
Respect the thugs!
Eat this. You'll need all the energy you can get.
And twerk.
My ass is thick Call me sweet cheeks
I'm not dead!
Guys, can I take a picture?
Such a beautiful family.
-Rocket! -Come on!
Wait a second, Rocket.
Way better.
-Take the pic, Rocket. -Sure.
Look.
Come on, Rocket. Did you take the picture?
Goddamn kiss ass.
Come here, Dayane.
Take a picture.
Closer, sweetie.
-Is this better? -Yes.
Let's give her a kiss.
OUR DAYANE'S 15TH BIRTHDAY
SINCE 1989
-Thank you for dancing with my sister. -Sure.
Are you tearing up?
So there's a beating heart in there?
She's my goddaughter. I'd die for her.
There you are.
I thought you were spending all night with those thugs.
I would rather spend the night with the most beautiful,
sweet-smelling and hot woman in this slum.
Yeah?
Our song.
-Let's dance. -Yeah.
What's up, City of God!
This party is beautiful.
Congrats, Dayane.
Now let's give it up to the princess of slutiness.
MC Leka!
MC Leka
Come
I'm riding hard
You just wait and see
I'm riding really hard
I'm riding hard You just wait and see
I have a big butt You can call me sweet cheeks
My ass is thick Call me...
Holy fuck It's MC Leka
I'm going to make you miss my pussy
Holy fuck No strings attached
I'm going to make you miss my pussy
So, are you enjoying the show?
I'm riding hard
You just wait and see
I'm riding hard
I'm riding
-Won't you take pics of your daughter? -Haven't you listened to her song?
Come on, Rocket.
You moved to the South Zone and think you can judge the music?
You're here to photograph the party, and your daughter is beautiful.
She's gorgeous. Just do it. Don't be a bummer.
Holy fuck No strings attached
Come on!
I'm going to make you miss my pussy
Come
What the fuck?
Am I seeing a mirage?
Fuck! Big Daddy!
-Fuck! -Fuck!
How could you keep this from me?
-I wanted it to be a surprise. -I loved it!
It's my job.
You dirty old man!
The birthday girl!
-My baby sister. -Big brother.
-Fuck, Genny. -Bradock!
You got so big!
-Hi, Auntie. -Is it really you?
As I live and breathe. I'm back.
-Axé. -Axé.
Thanks, brother. Freedom.
Fuck!
-I can't believe it! -Fuck!
-I told you I'd hug you. -You're the man.
-The Runts! Fuck! -The Runts! Fuck!
-Thanks, Barbantinho. Rocket. -Hi, man.
You're a good one. It's good to see you. Yeah, Big Daddy. We're back.
I need to talk to you.
You know I don't like to waste time.
Go take care of your queen.
She's worth the trouble, and then some!
My head is about to explode.
I've been in jail for too long. You know?
-I need to come back. -We'll see the best way.
What do you mean?
We'll see. Junior is in charge. He's doing a hell of a job.
He might be doing well, but...
So just enjoy yourself.
Call me if you need anything. Money, a car, cocaine. Whatever it is.
Meanwhile, I'll think about things.
Come on. That has always been my job. The Apartments' Corner is mine.
He's my fucking son.
He's practically your brother! Calm down!
I need to talk to the guests.
We'll talk later. Don't be mad.
You're family.
I'll take care of you.
He can't do that to you, Bradock. It's outrageous.
It's a family thing, Crazy. We'll sort it out.
Family doesn't do that.
You were in jail for six years, and no one visited.
Now he says you're family. And you're falling for it.
It's not like that.
Just drive.
Fuck! Go for it!
Turn! Fuck!
Fuck!
Come on, man!
What are you doing?
Motherfucker!
There he goes!
Run for it!
Get rid of him!
-Go! -Come on!
Here!
I love you!
Take that!
CITY OF GOD 3 - VISITING TEAM 2
-Come on, man. -Pay attention.
-Go! -PQD! Fuck!
-What's up, Big Daddy? -Bradock.
Can we talk about that thing?
Don't worry, son.
Just watch the game. Number ten is on fire.
We'll talk later.
-I need it now. -Relax.
I want to come back.
Whisky, boss.
Let the boss breathe. Smoke a joint and relax.
I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to him.
What the fuck?
Fuck you!
Enough!
-Goddamn it! -Asshole!
It's a soccer match! Not a fight!
If you want to fight, get the fuck out of my slum!
Jesus.
What's wrong with them?
Go back to play.
Enjoy your freedom.
Do you still play? You could join the team.
Fuck that! What are you talking about?
I didn't get out of jail to play soccer.
ZeroOnze, get me a really cold beer.
Bradock needs to cool down.
Have you lost your mind?
You can't press me like that in front of everyone!
Have you lost respect?
No, Big Daddy. I do have a lot of respect for you.
I spent six years in jail for something Junior did.
We're talking.
Come on, Big Daddy. I'm a man.
I didn't rat anyone out.
It wasn't easy for me in there.
I don't want any trouble. I just want my corner back.
What are you talking about?
Your corner? It's my corner.
You were just a corner boy.
You said we were family.
I raised you like a son.
If you still don't respect your father, it's time for you to learn!
You've got some nerve, boy.
When am I taking over?
Do you need anything, boss?
Everything is fine.
Let's go. I'm done with this game.
Bradock, you're just nervous, brother.
You're not thinking straight.
Cool down.
He's not going to leave you high and dry.
MAGLIANO CAR LOT
-Hi. -How are you?
Please.
What's the rush, Jerusa?
-Remember that thing I told you? -Yeah.
I need the equipment.
So where's the money?
Well...
What kind of equipment do you need?
WELCOME
I'm starting to think he's not coming.
Don't worry.
God spits out the lukewarm, Bradock.
-You're too tame. -Sit down.
Who the fuck does he think he is making us wait?
Just fucking relax. He'll show up.
-You trust him too much. -Don't worry.
-What's up, Bradock? -What do you want?
-Curió's not coming. -What?
Spit it out.
He said you and Junior are brothers, and you're sharing the corner.
Half and half.
You can start tomorrow.
Is that a joke?
Then you go tell Curió that fucking corner is Bradock's.
Or we'll take it.
Are you sure, Bradock?
Are you taking orders from this bitch?
Have some respect, motherfucker!
-You're okay with that? -Listen, kid.
Go back and pass the message to Curió.
I'm not this bitch's message boy.
You're the bitch.
I don't need boys to send messages for me.
Curió wants war? He's got it.
BASED ON "CITY OF GOD", A NOVEL BY PAULO LINS
INSPIRED BY FERNANDO MEIRELLES' FILM "CITY OF GOD"
CITY OF GOD THE FIGHT RAGES ON