A boy stands semi crouched ready to run in the middle of a street. At the other end of the street there is a group of intimidating figures.

City Of God

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 130 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

Brazil's most visceral masterpiece, told from the inside

Brazil | 2002 | Portuguese | Drama | R18+

One of the highest rated films on Letterboxd, City of God has been variously described as ‘a masterpiece of a movie’ and one of Brazil's most acclaimed films.

Co-directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film scored four nominations at the 2003 Oscars, including Best Director and a notable nod for its gloriously kinetic editing.

In the poverty-stricken favelas of Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, two young men choose different paths. Rocket is a budding photographer who documents the increasing drug-related violence of his neighborhood, while Li’l Zé is an ambitious drug dealer diving into a dangerous life of crime.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

Epic in scope, powerful in conception, brilliant in execution

The Atlantic

Cast and credits

Director Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund
Writer Bráulio Mantovani
Buscapé Alexandre Rodrigues
Zé Pequeno Leandro Firmino
Bené Phellipe Haagensen
Dadinho Douglas Silva
Cabeleira Jonathan Haagensen
Sandro Cenoura Matheus Nachtergaele
Mané Galinha Seu Jorge
Alicate Jefechander Suplino
Angélica Alice Braga

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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