"Cidade dos Homens" (2002) TV series 2002-2005

Writers:

Guel Arraes (writer) (2002)
César Charlone (writer) (2002-2003)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama

Plot:

In this original variation on the Latin American telenovela (slow, emotional soap), life in Rio de Janeiro...

Plot Keywords:

Violence | Brasilia | Father Son Relationship | City Of God | Slum

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Darlan Cunha	...	Laranjinha / ... (19 episodes, 2002-2005)
Douglas Silva	...	Acerola / ... (19 episodes, 2002-2005)
Phellipe Haagensen	...	Espeto (9 episodes, 2002-2004)
Camila Monteiro	...	Cristiane (9 episodes, 2003-2005)
Jonathan Haagensen	...	Madrugadão (8 episodes, 2002-2005)

Also Known As:

City of Men (International: English title) (literal title) (UK) (USA) (literal English title)
City of Men (Greece) (DVD title) [el]
City of Men (Finland) (DVD title) [fi]
La cité des hommes (France) [fr]
Människornas stad (Finland: Swedish title) [sv]

Runtime:

30 min

Country:

Brazil

Language:

Portuguese

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Netherlands:16 | Australia:MA | Finland:K-11 | South Africa:16LV | New Zealand:M | Brazil:16 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Company:

Globo Filmes

Trivia:

Laranjinha's real name is Uólace da Silva. Acerola's real name is Luis Claudio Cunha.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Cidade dos Homens (2007)

Soundtrack:

O vencedor

great stuff

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.