Fantastic Brazilian films No. 1 – City Of God

With the World Cup in Brazil now in full swing, JOE brings you the first in our series of Brazilliant Brazilian films...

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Brazil is known the world over for many wonderful things; its fantastic footballing stars, its magnificent must-see attractions and the fact that it is jam-packed full of bountiful, beautiful Brazilian babes. Just like Ireland then so... *ugly tumbleweed rolls past* In the build up to World Cup 2014 in Brazil, JOE has been bringing you the best of all that the super Samba-loving country has to offer and this week it’s the turn of the country’s finest film exports. And don’t tell us that you’re one of those muppets who won’t watch films because they’ve got subtitles on the screen. “JOE, if I wanted to read JOE then I’d read a book JOE, y’know what I mean JOE?” Cool. Well, you’re missing out if that is the case because over the next week, we're bringing you five Brazilliant Brazilian films that you really should check out. Up first, it's the superb Cidade De Deus.

Cidade De Deus (City Of God) – 2002

Plot’s It All About? Based on the 1997 novel of the same name by Bráulio Mantovani, the 2002 film Cidade de Deus AKA City Of God is a Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles.

Based loosely on real events, the phenomenally fantastic film depicts the growth of organised crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb of Rio de Janeiro, between the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1980s, a growth which culminated in the war between the sadistic drug dealer Li'l Zé (Leandro Firmino da Hora) and charismatic criminal Knockout Ned (Seu Jorge). Why JOE loves it so much: Unsurprisingly, the film achieved critical acclaim all around the world, received four Academy Award nominations and went on to be adapted into a top-notch television series. The reason why is very simple; with superb performances from all concerned, excellent action and an incredibly gripping and tense storyline, it's a film that makes a lasting impact on all who see it. Check it out or, as the Brazilians say (we think), "Dê uma olhada" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJdW1TevoyA Brought to you with thanks to Pot Noodle Brazilian BBQ Steak Flavour.