City of Men

I discovered this series when trying to find videos that would familarize me with Brazilian culture, a couple of months prior to my first work-related visit to this country. I rented the first DVD (first 7 episodes) through an online rental service, and I got hooked on it. In fact, my husband (who never watches TV) and I were both hooked, so much so that I eventually tracked it down on Amazon and ordered the series. This is a series made for television, but there is a full-length movie by the same title, featuring the two main actors and their characters at an older age. I haven't seen the movie, so this review addresses only the television series.What makes this series so compelling is the feeling of authenticity that it conveys. It allows you to see how the main characters, two young male teens, experience joy, friendship, love, anger, fear, distrust, lust, insecurity, loyalty, prejudice, and betrayal in their day-to-day lives within the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Along the way, the viewer gains insights into how the history and culture of Brazil, as well as the physical and sociological landscapes of Rio de Janeiro, shape the identities, relationships, and aspirations of the young characters. At the same, universalities in human experience shine through.By the way, when I went to Brazil, I spent a few days as a tourist in Rio, and was so glad that I had seen the first 7 episodes of this series before I went. It provided me with a much deeper appreciation of the city, compared to what I might have experienced had I not seen them. I was able to see details that otherwise I would have missed -- and I could interpret them in reference to what I had learned watching this series.This series contains sexual and violent content which probably would be rated PG-13 in the U.S. However, this content is never gratuitous -- it always conveys important information that deepens the viewer's understanding of the experiences of the two central characters.Individual episodes have different directors, so the presentation of visual and thematic content differs somewhat across episodes. This does not have a jarring effect, though, because there is so much contextual and narrative continuity. My personal favorite director (so far --- I haven't finished all the episodes yet) is Cesar Charlone -- his use of visual film collage is beautiful and emotive.Many thanks to the people who conceptualized and produced this series! It's a gift to the world.

I love love loved the series! It was so heartwarming, heartbreaking and insightful to see how people from Rio's favelas live. Each episode is about half an hour long and will take you on an emotional journey. I laughed, cried, got scared and was at the edge of my seat pretty much for every single episode. Douglas Silva and Darlan Cunha are brilliant actors!The only problem I had with the product is that it folds out so that each dvd is on its own 'page' but there is no "case" or "cover" as with box sets.Amazon's free shipping was fast and extremely efficient!Enjoy it!

This Brazilian tv series tells an interesting series of stories about life growing up in the slums of Rio de Janeiro. If you saw the movie City of God, you'll recognize some of the actors from the movie as characters in this series. If you've ever been to Rio or have an interest in Brazil, the series seems to capture a bit of the spirit of the Brazilian people.The movie was great, and the shows are about as good but with significantly less violence. Many of the episodes are heartwarming or moving. The stories are different enough that they don't get dull or trite. The only problem I have with the series collection is that I don't have enough time to watch all the episodes.

This series is a fascinating charming thrilling fiction story of two fatherless kids who grow up in a favela and they help each other to become a greater people in life.All the anecdotes they live on, all the sad and happy moments make this series a really precious one.Laranjinna and Acerola simply steal hearts away. They are such innocent and have to face a real cruel world only armed with loyalty and friendship. How many times did I laugh or cry watching this videos? No idea.I just bought having seen the film first. The series explains the "before", and it's friendlier, happier than the obscure (and great) movie!A must, a must, if you like the favela culture in movies (and even if you don't).

It's an interesting novela, as it tries to show in each episode some aspect of life in Brazil: the hip-hop culture in SP, problems of the penitenciary system, teenage drug traffickers, etc.My original goal for buying the series was to improve my Portuguese and I can say it did not help. The language they speak is the slang of the slums in the hills of Rio and it sounds very different from the Portuguese from Brazilian TV or Brazilian Portuguese classes.

This is the best way to show your kids that there is a different way to live besides the materialism that we are used to, and guess what, there is happiness there too, and lots of it. Here you will see how two best friends grow in one of Rio de Janeiro`s favelas, and get face to face with gangs and drug traffic, poverty, sexuality, and family problems and manage to come up being great persons, maybe not to be wealthy, but good persons, and have lots of fun while facing all this. This is the kind of TV product that should be shown to every student in every school in every first world country. Parabens Acerola e Laranjinha

Love it love it love it :)It is the tv series of the movie City of Men, which sums up the entire series. I got hooked with City of God - though it is not the same story, it is the story about the survival of the youth in Rio's favelas. (Similar to City of God, but different time period - with some of the same actors). Subtitles run fast on the series as I don't think it was intended to be released internationally.

One of the most incredible TV series I have ever seen. Its part Menace To Society and part The Wonder Years! I wish more American audiences could see this.

Having been to Brazil,this really does give you a taste of the other side of the tourist track.It is a wonderful film that draws you in from the start and takes you on a journey.I am a great great fan of this Film and its Country.

Excellent

Great dvd and quickly sent thanks

Many thanks!!!

Great continuation of the film, highly recommend anyone who loved the film to get the series! If you haven't seen the film then order it now