Fuck! The chicken got away! Go after that chicken, man!
Get that little fucker!
If it's a good photo, I'll get a job at the newspaper.
You'd risk your life for a picture? Forget it!
Do you think that I'm in the mood to see the fucking gang?
The chicken bro!
I told you to catch it, asshole!
Get that chicken!
If Li'l Zé catches you, you're dead.
Yeah, well. He has to find me first.
Hey kid! Grab that chicken!
- Shit! The cops! - Don't run away!
Hey you assholes! Motherfuckers!
A photo might have changed my life...
...but in the City of God, if you run, they get you...
...and if you stay, they get you too.
It has always been like that ever since I was a kid...
IN THE 60's
- You're so useless. - Fetch the ball.
Hey kid! Gimme that ball.
You're not giving it to me?
Fuck you.
What's your name?
Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself.
My name is Rocket.
Don't give the ball to Li'l Dice. He stinks.
This is Shaggy.
The story of the City of God starts with him.
However, Shaggy's story is connected to the Tender Trio story.
Hey Shaggy! The truck is coming! Why are you fooling around?
THE TENDER TRIO STORY
The Tender Trio. The legend of the City of God.
Shaggy.
Clipper.
And Goose.
With them, Li'l Dice and Benny, Shaggy's brother.
I didn't have enough courage to go with my brother.
Come Goose!
Let's go!
Stop or I'll shoot, fucking asshole.
Get out!
Quickly, asshole. Give me the money!
Who wants gas?
Oh! You wanna die for money that isn't yours?
Lots of money here!
Shit! Police!
Quickly! They're everywhere!
Then, I thought that the Tender Trio...
...was the toughest gang in Rio.
But they were just amateurs.
Even my brother Goose.
Give this to Dad. But don't tell him it's from me.
Stringy, come and see what I've got!
We came to the City of God hoping to find a paradise.
Lot of people were homeless due to flooding...
...and arsons in the slums.
They're going to bring electricity!
But the government bosses didn't like the homeless.
There was no electricity, paved roads or busses.
The rich people didn't give a damn about us.
It had nothing to do with Rio de Janeiro you see on postcards.
Do you think I'm gonna be a lifeguard when I grow up?
I don't know.
It's better to be a lifeguard than a fishmonger.
I don't want to be a fishmonger, I'll stink.
- Are you insulting your father? - No.
- What do you want to be?
I sure don't want to be a criminal or a cop.
- Why? - I don't want to get shot.
Drop it, kid!
Are you nuts pointing that gun at me? It could go off!
Take it easy with Li'l Dice. He's with me.
I'm a gangster too, just like you.
- That gas truck didn't bring much. - So what? We rob trucks every day.
One today, another tomorrow.
We have to hit a rich house, Shaggy. Then we can get out of here.
That's nothing. You have to follow my plan.
The little fart is getting to big for his britches!
He's so stoned, he doesn't know what he's talking about!
You're both not as worthy as the kid.
What's on your mind, Li'l Dice?
A gun doesn't make you a gangster. You need ideas.
And Li'l Dice had them.
Is this the motel?
We get the money and leave. No killing, got that?
Hey, I need this.
- Don't touch my gun, kid. - Don't ever do that again.
- Don't point at me. - Fuck you.
Don't point your finger at me!
Stop acting like a baby.
- Here's yours. - Awesome!
Not so fast. You stay here and keep watch.
If you see cops, shoot that window.
Why me? Let that dork do that.
This was my plan. He's good for nothing.
OK, you had the idea, but you're just a kid, remember?
You cover us, OK?
Your time is gonna come. Don't be so hasty.
Stay here.
This is a hold up, bitch.
You should be at school or at work.
You don't even look like hoodlums.
Shut up, bitch!
OK, Clipper?
Are we going in?
- I didn't order anything. - It's on the house! Your money!
Take it easy. All I want is your money.
Hey pal! What is this fucking mess?
- Are you a priest? - Yes, brother.
Give it to me!
You're old and ugly.
Want to take her place?
Police! Let's beat it!
Take the car! I'll go get Li'l Dice!
- Something went wrong. Li'l Dice is gone. - The cops are shooting! Let's go!
- You said you knew how to drive. - I do, cool down.
Turn! Watch it!
- You stupid asshole! - Hey, I didn't do it on purpose.
No one saw anything. Don't say a word, understand?
Hold on! I twisted my ankle!
- Clipper fucked up his ankle. - It hurts.
Take him to the woods. I'll try to distract the cops.
God help us.
Pass me the phone, Penguin.
Shorty was another notorious guy in the City, but I'll talk about him later.
It fucking hurts. God dammit!
Shut up! You sound like a damn sissy.
Give me your hand!
How odd! A car crashes into a bar...
...and no one saw a thing?
As always. No one sees anything. No one knows anything.
- What's up, Shorty? - They're hiding in the woods.
I have this feeling that they're hiding in the woods.
They're in the woods.
Felipe, lock up the car. Rangel, come with me.
I can't see a thing. How the hell can they see?
They stole a fortune from that motel.
- What if we took the money? - Are you out of your mind?
I'm not getting mixed up in that. I just want to exterminate those roaches.
So? Since when is it a crime to steal from niggers and thieves?
It won't be hard to nab them. I know a snitch in the City.
Did you hear those shots? If I catch one of them, I'll kill him!
Maracana! Open the door!
- What's the matter? - The cops are after me!
Shaggy!
Police is after me! Hide me!
Quick, come inside.
Shit, I thought the cops would be down there all night.
- I had a vision, Goose. - What have you been smoking?
You had a job, right? How is it? What do they say to you?
I worked for my father. And fathers talk a lot of shit.
I'm getting out. I don't wanna die. I'm not meant to be a gangster.
- Wait! The cops are still down there. - I don't care.
I'm going back to the church.
"I will say of the Lord,
He is my refuge and my fortress. In Him will I trust.
Fear not the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day..."
Stop asshole or I'll shoot!
"...shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
The robbery in the motel was the bloodiest in history.
The destinies of the outlaws then took different paths.
I don't think this guy was involved in the heist.
See here? He's a worker, not a hoodlum.
I'll fix that.
Destiny put Clipper back in the hands of God.
Shaggy was caught in the hands of Berenice.
And Goose was in my father's hands.
Why are you doing this crap?! From now on, you'll work with me!
Your brother will keep an eye on you!
If I ever again catch you with money that isn't yours, I'll kill you!
And that goes for you too! Put on the work clothes!
Having a gangster for a brother meant that I got punished as well.
Don't worry. He'll get over it.
These things aren't for you! You go and study.
Aren't you afraid of getting shot?
I'm a hood because I'm stupid. You're smart, so you gotta go to college.
I go to school because I don't like working.
Promise me that you're never gonna touch this gun. Promise?
We'd better hurry. We'll sell a lot of fish. And don't laugh.
You grinned when father slapped me.
What is it, Shaggy? Cat got your tongue?
I'm thinking of what to say to you.
You're gonna fry your brain if you think so much.
My heart has chosen you. And I follow my heart.
Are you kidding?
Have you never heard of love at first sight?
- Hoods don't love, they lust. - You always put me down when we talk.
- Hoods don't talk, they seduce. - I'll stop wasting my breath on you.
Hoods don't stop, they just take a break.
- Talking to you about love sure is complicated. - This isn't love, it's a joke.
It's just that... I love you.
You just might end up convincing me...
After the robbery, police did constant raids on the ghetto.
Everyday someone was sent to jail, someone was sold out.
But no one ever seen anything. No one ever knew anything.
And no one revealed the hoods' hideout.
THREE MONTHS LATER
Shaggy? Why don't you change your life?
Stop lying in bed all day doing nothing. Get a job instead.
You think you can make money working? Go ahead.
What do you think I do all day long?
Take it easy, baby. All I want is you.
To have children, a farm with chickens and a lot of weed.
I don't believe a word of it. That's nothing but smooth-talk.
I almost got rich with that motel job. Maybe next time.
Police is still after you because of the motel murders.
What murders? What are you talking about? You don't know shit, so shut up!
You weren't there. I didn't kill anyone. The cops shot them and blamed it on me!
They even killed Li'l Dice! So drop it!
- I don't care who did it. - It wasn't me!
But I don't want a gangster as the father of my children.
You're all alone, Shaggy!
- All alone? - That's right.
- Clipper has found God. - Hallelujah!
- Goose has found a job. - Asskisser!
- And you? - I am the same.
- They've left me, those losers. So what. - Then I'm leaving you too.
I'm going. If you want, come with me. Otherwise, I'll go alone.
Nice fresh fish!
My brother had promised to stop messing around.
But a hood doesn't stop. He just takes a break.
Goose began messing around with Shorty's wife.
I have a trout, but for you I have something special.
It's a mullet.
- Does he ever lick you? - No.
Mine, before screwing, licks me for like half an hour.
- And from behind? Do you let him? - Good God, no. Doesn't it hurt?
In the beginning, yes. After that it's great. But you need a banana.
- Why a banana? - You're missing the best part, girl.
You warm up a banana and stick it in your pussy...
...while he screws you in the ass. It's great.
- Ask your husband. - I can't. He'll get mad.
Try it. Men go nuts for smut like that.
Fucking nigger!
Slut!
Whore!
Rocket, give me your shorts! Quickly!
- I'm not gonna get naked in the street. - You want your brother to get killed?
Give me the shirt!
Quickly!
I knew it. I always pay the price.
The bastard ran away. That's his brother.
I'll cut his balls off.
Fresh fish! Fresh fish for sale!
Hey kid, come over here.
- Where's your brother? - Not working today.
- Oh yeah? Get in. - I didn't do anything.
- What about my fish? - Get in. Forget the fish.
My father will kill me.
Let's go. There's nothing here.
That day, my father swore he never wanted to see my brother again.
Let's go, Felipe!
And he never did. No one ever saw him again in the ghetto.
The Tender Trio story was coming to an end.
Li'l Dice!
Shit, man! I thought you were killed at the motel.
- I see you're fucking loaded. - Don't Benny!
It's our money. Tell your brother Shaggy.
Cut the crap and hand over the money! It's mine now.
Benny, tell Shaggy that Shorty is squealing. I'm leaving the slum.
Meanwhile, Shorty had his hands full...
A neighbour called the cops before sunrise.
The newspapers wrote:
"Man Buries Wife Alive in the City of God"
The place was full of cops. The hoods ran away.
- You want to die? - It's you who will die if you don't listen.
And show more respect to the lady.
- Let's go. - There are cops ahead.
Fuck them, let's go. Go anywhere you want.
What's wrong?
Have mercy! This car is a piece of junk.
- Start the damn engine! - It needs a push.
Push, Shaggy! Push!
It was you?
You still want to arrest the thieves? Over there...
Get that guy there!
Run, Shaggy! Stop the car!
He's a murderer!
The day that Shaggy got killed...
...I remember the crowd and a camera.
I'd always wanted to have one.
Let's go to school.
- Why don't we go to the beach? - But we have exams.
So what? Everyone else is at the beach.
She's in a bikini but doesn't want to go.
The sun is for everyone. The beach for those who deserve it.
IN THE 70's
I bought my first camera when I was 16.
I started at the bottom with the world's cheapest model.
How's it going, Rocket? Any luck getting laid yet?
Zilch.
Angelica. I was crazy about her.
So Rocket, still clicking away?
She was gorgeous and got laid. I wanted to lose my virginity with her.
- She's got a boyfriend. - So? I'm not jealous.
- Her father is a cop. - No one's perfect.
I was the official photographer of our gang.
The Groovy Gang.
Everybody paid to have copies of the pictures.
Thiago, move back a little! Perfect!
I need a joint.
Instead of smoking, you should try sniffing coke. It's great.
You snort, Thiago? I prefer a good pot.
- I can get some for you, if you like. - You can? Then go, move your ass.
If we talk about getting high, then we talk about cocaine.
Narcotics!
- You're full of salt, Thiago. - Screw you.
You want to be a lifeguard, Stringy?
- You never go in the water. - My dad's a lifeguard.
- I bet a beer that I'm a better swimmer. - You're on!
If you like I can get a joint from Blacky.
I'd have done anything for her.
Buy her pot, coke...
I would go to the top dealers just to buy quality stuff.
One of the local bosses was my ex-classmate: Blacky.
- Who's there? - Rocket.
How are things down there? The Groovies OK?
You want to buy or smoke?
- Buy. - Come in, buddy.
Who is it?
Who's there?!
This was Blacky's turf, but it hadn't always been.
Shit, Li'l Dice. Why do you barge into my place like that?
Who said it was your place?
THE STORY OF THE APARTMENT
Dona Zelia began selling drugs here, after becoming a widow...
...in order to feed her daughters.
She also gave out dope to boys in return for special favors.
Her favorite was Big Boy.
She was such an amateur that Big Boy had no trouble taking over.
Big Boy used local kids as dealers.
- What about my pot? - Stick it up your ass.
But Big Boy's favorite dealer...
...was Carrot.
May I have a sip?
Big Boy trusted him...
...so he moved up and became a manager.
20 for us, 5 for you, OK?
One day a buddy of Carrot showed up.
His name was Aristotle.
My wife needs an operation.
His family had helped Carrot when he was down and out.
He couldn't refuse helping a brother.
Here's the dope. I want the money no later than Friday.
- You bailed me out, brother. - Friday.
He's my friend, practically my brother, Big Boy.
Give him another week.
Kill him. Or I'll kill you.
Carrot had no choice.
- I told you, by Friday. - Don't do it, man.
Carrot wanted to kill Big Boy but he didn't have to.
Big Boy hadn't paid off the cops. He died in jail.
Carrot took everything that belonged to Big Boy.
Except for the apartment. It was cursed.
Carrot gave it to his favorite dealer: Blacky
- Here, 150 bags. - Give me few more.
That's how he took over the local trade.
But not for long...
Who is it?
Who's there?!
Go see!
Shit, Li'l Dice. Why do you barge into my place like that?
- Who said it was your place? - Yeah, who said it was his?
What's wrong, Li'l Dice?
Li'l Dice, my ass. My name is Li'l Zé now.
THE STORY OF LITTLE ZÉ
Li'l Zé had always wanted to be the boss of the City of God...
...ever since he was called Li'l Dice.
They're having fun and I'm not?
I want to get out of here.
What do you want, kid? Your friend took everything.
That night, Li'l Dice satisfied his thirst for blood...
...even though he knew Shaggy would never forgive him.
To avoid being punished he left the City of God.
Li'l Dice had to work hard for peanuts.
But he and Benny managed well.
They had the gift of crime.
- You have more money than me. - It was my idea.
The only problem was how to handle older gangsters.
Like my brother Goose.
Li'l Dice!
Shit, man! I thought you were killed at the motel.
- I see you're fucking loaded. - Don't Benny!
It's our money. Tell your brother Shaggy.
Cut the crap and hand over the money!
Benny, tell Shaggy that Shorty is squealing. I'm leaving the slum.
Hey Goose!
You forgot something. It's a gift from Shaggy.
Robbery after robbery, Li'l Dice grew big.
By his 18th birthday, he was the most respected gangster in the City of God.
You're of age now. Watch out!
One of the most wanted robbers in Rio.
Happy birthday Li'l Dice. I'm so glad you've turned 18.
Get lost, Tuba!
- Give me a beer! - Didn't you see me, prick?
You bumped into me, motherfucker.
Next time I'm gonna shove this gun up your ass and pull the trigger.
Fag!
Li'l Dice was ready for anything...
...and he was itching to start.
Who are the fattest cats here?
- There's a whole bunch of them. - Look at Jerry Adriani...
...gold chains, luxurious clothes.
- Look at Pereira and his chick. - Berenice. My brother's girl.
Check out his car.
And here's Blacky. Covered in gold.
Look at Carrot and his car. They're all dealers.
- They're all fucking rich. - Robberies bring in shit.
The real money is in drugs.
- Especially coke. - But you need a capital first.
Not really. We'll kill these clowns and take over their business.
- When do we start? - Now.
The light of Exu-the-Demon has brought you here!
Why do you live in the City of God that God has forsaken?
I know what you want. You want power.
I have something that will give you the power you're looking for.
This will change tour fate. I give you my amulet.
Just don't fuck while you wear it...
...because if you fuck while you wear it, you will die.
The Li'l Dice will no longer be Li'l Dice but Li'l Zé.
Li'l Zé will grow big.
If you help me, I will help you.
This way Li'l Dice became Li'l Zé and started the killings.
One morning he took over Adriani's racket...
...by nightfall, he ruled all the ghetto districts.
He didn't touch Carrot's gang since he and Benny were friends.
Only the apartment was left. But that was an easy job.
Who is it?
Who's there?!
Go see!
Shit, Li'l Dice. Why do you barge into my place like that?
Who said it was your place?
What's wrong, Li'l Dice?
Li'l Dice, my ass. My name is Li'l Zé now.
- And now you're dead, motherfucker. - No, he understands.
Don't you, Blacky?
It's all yours. I don't want no trouble, OK?
I should have taken that chance to avenge my brothers' death.
You're gonna live, but you will work for us.
That's easy to say...
- Where are you going? - He's clean Li'l Zé.
- What's your name? - Rocket.
He's Goose's brother. Dead Goose's brother.
Run along kid. And tell everyone that Li'l Zé is now in charge.
We're selling coke. Got that?
Cocaine.
Drug dealing is a job too.
The supplier delivers the merchandise which is then packed on the premises.
It's done in an assembly line.
Boring as hell...
Pot is wrapped up in "lids".
Cocaine is put into packets, and then bundles of 10 or 100.
You can even make a career in dealing drugs.
The kids start as delivery boys. They run errands and take messages.
Then, they become lookouts.
If the police shows up, the kites vanish and everyone scrams.
Later, you become a dealer, or a "vapor".
When the heat's on, the "vapor" quickly disappears.
Moving up the ladder, you have a "soldier" who carries a gun.
And if the guy is good in math, he can become a manager.
The boss' right-hand man.
The cops get their cut and don't make trouble.
Since Li'l Zé killed all of his rivals, there were no shoot-outs in the City.
You could drive anywhere.
Druggies bought their dope in safety.
Lots of people became addicts and Li'l Zé grew rich.
- Which one should I wear? - This one's cool.
If dealing were legal, Li'l Zé would have been the Man of the Year.
But things were risky for me. I was afraid of him.
And he was everywhere.
If I needed pot I had to visit Carrot.
- Half a lid. - Thanks.
But it was worth it, because I smoked it with Angelica.
She had broken up with Thiago and so I made my move.
Fantastic photos.
You think so?
Do I look good here?
You look good in all of them.
- I'm serious. - Me too.
A setting sun, deserted beach, a long kiss...
It was perfect.
But then the Runts showed up...
Can I have a puff?
Here.
- I'm going. See you later. - Already?
Hold on, Angelica!
- Your joint! - Keep it!
That was my first run-in with the Runts.
- Steak and fries, Benny. - Great!
For me? Thanks.
Wanna trade this watch?
After he broke up, Thiago snorted more and more everyday.
When you become an addict, you're in the hands of the dealer.
- Two bags. - One bag.
But for Thiago, it was a bit different.
- Sorry, godfather. - Bullshit, did I baptize you?
Give me your bike, Blacky.
Hey, do you wanna race?
- Where to? - To the highway.
- OK. - Ready? Go!
- Hard race, wasn't it? - Yeah, you're good.
- Where did you buy these sneakers? - In my neighborhood.
- The shirt too? - No, uptown.
It's a designer shirt.
If I give you money can you buy me one?
Shorts and a shirt?
Buy whatever you can.
- What is your size? - Measure me.
- With what? - With you.
Shoe number? Turn around.
- Hey Benny. - Did you get the stuff?
- Just one pair of pants? - No, there is more.
Do you like it?
- There's some change. - Keep it.
This is Benny.
I'm a Bohemian.
Gangsters, listen. Beware.
Groovies shake their asses before they rip a big one.
Oh yeah?
Fuck you, bastards!
Asshole!
Benny, didn't I tell you to shoot Carrot? He's endangering the whole ghetto.
Cool it. Go talk to him. You can't just shoot everybody.
Don't worry, the guys here are cool.
I'm not worried.
You gonna dance, Benny? What about Carrot?
Go talk to the guy.
Benny was the coolest gangster in the City of God.
He gave away dope, paid for drinks.
Li'l Zé was the opposite. He had only one obsession:
To be the boss of the whole ghetto.
He was just looking for an excuse to take over Carrot's business.
You shouldn't let the Runts do robberies in the slum.
You look after your own turf and I'll look after mine.
Got that? I'm gonna get a drink.
- Hey Rocket. How's it going? - Great.
Hey Thiago. How are you?
Want to dance?
Can we go to your place?
No problem! My parents aren't home! You're gonna be all alone with her!
You can lose your virginity tonight!
Not so loud, man! Everyone will hear.
- You're beautiful. - Thank you.
It's OK.
I know you're involved with the Runts.
Do you think I'm stupid? You want my gang.
I just want to talk to you, because you're fucking incompetent.
The Runts are endangering us all.
Carrot, just ask them to cool it.
Carrot's useless. He lets them rob in his section.
If the cops come here, we're fucked.
I'll do it only because I like you.
But you need to change Li'l Zé's diapers.
Tell those little fucks that no one plunders in my ghetto!
But the Runts simply didn't respect the ghetto rules.
They would steal from ordinary people and rob bakeries.
You rob me all the time!
But they didn't know the City had a new boss now.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US
The City had become much safer for the residents.
Robberies were rare.
All you had to do was visit Li'l Zé.
"Don't hurt the Runts". We won't touch them.
- Want to take a walk, Steak? - Together? Hold on...
Mom, I'm going out with my friends.
That's the best chicken I ever ate.
- The old man was scared to death! - You feel sorry for him?
Should we rob a bank or a supermarket?
Bullshit. All the money is in drug dealing.
You have to start as a messenger.
It's no good. It takes too much time to be promoted.
You have to wait for an older guy to get killed.
I won't wait for some guy to croak. I'll do as Li'l Zé did.
Are you talking about me, kid? The boss is here.
Come back, you brat!
They run fast!
Anyone else?
You're gonna pay for the ones that ran away.
Choose! Should I shoot you in the hand or the foot?
Choose! Hand or foot?!
Choose, dammit!
- Hand. - In the hand, eh?
Let's see about you. Kill one of them.
- I'll do it! - Beat it! He's gonna do it.
Just shoot one of them.
We don't have all day.
Get it over with, Steak.
We wanna see if you have the guts.
Come on, Steak. Choose one of them.
Well done! You did it! You're one of us. Gimme five.
Get up, tramp. Go back to your shithole.
And stop limping!
Tell your friends no one steals from Li'l Zé.
While Li'l Zé was winning the respect of the locals...
...Benny was winning Angelica's heart.
As for me, I was still a virgin. Single and broke. I had no choice.
A SUCKER'S LIFE
I found a job in a supermarket.
I worked long hours for few nickels. I wanted to be laid off...
...so I could buy a camera with the severance pay.
But things didn't work out that way.
It's that guy from the beach. Still smoking pot?
Hey kid! Lift your shirt!
We give those slum kids a chance and this is how they repay us?
- What about my severance pay? - What severance pay?
The fucking manager thought I was part of the gang.
You're fired because of serious misconduct. Get out!
I didn't get a single cent.
It was like a message from God:
"Honesty doesn't pay, sucker."
FLIRTING WITH CRIME
The bus sure is late. I should be already at work.
- Hide the gun! Are you nuts? - It was Goose's. It's broken anyways.
- The company has few busses. It's not my fault. - It's never anyone's fault! But we pay the price!
It's my grandfather's fault! And then they make us squeeze!
Have a nice evening, ma'am.
Hey Rocket. I know that guy. He lives in the City. He'll recognize us.
So? He couldn't care less if we take his boss' money.
Let's go, let's go...
- Say, aren't you two from the City of God? - Yeah, we are.
I'll let one of you for free.
You should study. That's the only way you can get out of the slum.
I was in school and then in the army.
I was the best marksman in my squad. This job was all I could find afterwards.
I know karate as well. If I find a job elsewhere, I'll leave this slum.
Do you fight?
I'm for peace, love and all that. But if I have to...
Little did he know he would have to. But I'll tell Knockout Ned's story later.
- We should be going. Bye. - See you.
- I couldn't do it. He was such a cool guy. - Yeah, totally. He's Gerson's brother, too.
Let's go home.
There's nothing here except that bakery over there.
- What are you going to say? - I don't know. "This is a hold-up".
Here's my phone number.
- You like soul or groovy parties? - I love soul.
It didn't work out either. The counter girl was just too foxy. And she even flirted with me.
Don't forget to call me.
I couldn't pull a gun on her. She was such a cool girl.
Yeah, I agree.
Excuse me!
I'm completely lost. How do I get to Barra?
I thought: "Tough luck for this guy from São Paulo."
That's where we were going too.
- You're a lifesaver. - That's right.
Because no guy from São Paulo could ever be cool.
We found the body, Chief!
Not a pretty sight, eh?
Awesome singer. I love music. What about you?
Do you also like pot?
I can't say. I've never tried it.
The devil recognizes his own. Check the glove compartment.
- Do you have paper? - I have some.
I've always been an expert in rolling joints.
If only I was like that with girls...
I would have never lost so many chances to lose my virginity.
For a guy from São Paulo you're pretty cool.
What did they kill her with?
A club or a rock.
- And the kid? - They didn't hurt it.
- How long ago? - About four hours.
- Can we take it away? - Go ahead.
The murderer has to be from the City of God.
You bastard! Motherfucker!
Did you have to kill your whore in the slum?
It was a matter of honor. Her parents turned me in.
The ghetto is crawling with cops now! All because of you, asshole!
You punished him enough, Li'l Zé.
Anyone who kills in my slum has to die as an example.
He had issues, Li'l Zé.
Listen, you asshole. Get out of the slum. You showed disrespect, understand?
You're too nice, Benny. If you raise a snake, expect to get bitten.
- He wasn't worth shit. - A dirty traitor.
Shut up, Tuba.
I'm going for a walk with my girl.
Take care. When things calm down...
...we'll kill that asshole Carrot, OK?
You need a girlfriend, Li'l Zé.
- Do you know what I'm thinking? - That I'm so sexy?
That too. But I mean, you know what we could do?
- Love? - I'm serious.
We could go away from here. I hate all this violence.
- And go where? - To a farm.
We're really hippies at heart.
To a farm?
Peace and love?
BENNY'S FAREWELL
Benny was just too cool to go on being a gangster.
He succeeded in getting everybody together for his farewell party.
The gangs...
The soul fans...
The religious folks...
I promise I'll go to church one day.
The samba crowd...
The Groovies...
And Li'l Zé, who had never danced in his life.
Wanna dance with me?
Wanna dance with me?!
- I can't hear you. - Do you want to dance with me?!
No, thanks. I'm with someone.
Hey Rocket!
I want to talk to you, buddy.
You can't just split with that chick.
I'm gonna go live on a farm, smoke pot and listen to rock.
You wanna throw everything away we've accomplished for that bitch?
She's not a bitch. She's my girl.
We'll take over Carrot's business. All we have to do is kill that motherfucker.
You think that everybody is a motherfucker. That's why I'm leaving.
I'm your friend but I'm out of here. Try to understand.
I love you, man, but I've had enough.
Show me your ass, motherfucker!
You wanna die? Fuck off, bitch!
Pull your pants down, nigger!
I wanna see your ass!
Come on, you faggot!
Show your ass to everyone!
Pull them down!
What's up, Benny? This camera for a bag of coke?
- I don't deal anymore. - Do it for me. You're my friend.
- Where did you get it? - It's OK. It's my father's.
Your father's...
- Give it to Li'l Zé. - Rocket would love this camera.
- Rocket would go crazy over it. - Make it a gift.
- OK, here. - Great.
Here I am!
You want to be a photographer? Here's a present.
Get out of here! This is great!
Now shake your ass!
You're gonna shoot some nice photos with that.
Give me that, motherfucker!
What's your problem?! Give me the camera!
They've killed Benny!
Call an ambulance!
Where's the motherfucker who did it?
- Zé, Benny is dead. - No! Call a doctor!
Get out of here, bitch! It's your fault!
Get out!
Fuck!
Where's Carrot?
Blacky's here.
He's in trouble.
I'm fucked.
- Why? - We're both fucked, man.
I think I killed Benny.
Li'l Zé is coming to kill you. We can still catch him at the disco.
- You killed Benny? - It was an accident. I was aiming at Li'l Zé.
Come on, let's go.
Blacky. You killed the coolest gangster in the City of God.
Let's go get...
Carrot knew that without Benny only a miracle could save his business.
We're fucked, man.
But what better place for a miracle to happen than in the City of God?
Look who's here. My sugar babe. Gimme a kiss, doll.
Let me pass. And look in the mirror.
Everything OK, baby?
The problem was simple. Li'l Zé was ugly.
Knockout Ned was handsome.
Knockout Ned could get any girl. Li'l Zé had to pay or use force.
It was like a duel between the good and handsome...
...and the bad and ugly.
Let me go!
Enjoy it while you can.
There's no use fighting.
You're mine now.
Your girlfriend is fucking hot, lucky bastard.
I can't even look her in the face now.
Why didn't that fucker kill me?
Wait a minute...
Why didn't I kill that fucker?
- Hey, we're going back. - What about Carrot?
- We're going back! - Are you gonna kill him?
Knockout Ned! Come out, you asshole!
Take it easy.
I'm going out. Let me go.
Gerson, come back!
This doesn't concern you, kid. We're here for your brother.
My brother is a peaceful guy. Maybe we can talk it out.
Is he too pretty to talk to me? Tell him to come out!
He hasn't done anything.
Do you know who I am? I'm Li'l Zé.
Call that motherfucker!
Cool down, I'll call him.
My arm's hurt. Carrot will have to wait. But that fucker got what he deserved.
That bastard killed my brother!
I won't let it go.
Hey Knockout.
Need a gun?
- My child! - Take it easy, mom.
- Do it right, asshole. - I'm doing my best.
- How did I let that loser stab me? - That's some nasty hole.
Damn right.
- It's as though we're brothers. - Shut up, Tuba.
Both of us got hurt in the same arm! Wouldn't it be funny if we really were brothers?
- Shut up, Tuba. - That Knockout Ned isn't a bad shot, eh?
- Shut your hole, Tuba. - He came out of nowhere!
Shut the fuck up, Tuba. You give me a headache.
It was as though the City of God had suddenly found its hero.
God bless you. That kid was asking for trouble.
You did a fine job. Better go hide now.
I thought Knockout Ned would start a revolution here.
But God had other plans.
Steak, where are all the dealers?
They're hiding. Li'l Zé is in a bad mood.
They get us hooked and then they go off and hide.
- Can you get some coke for me? - I'll try.
Tell them that Thiago is looking for his nose-candy.
Steak! Come here. Go tell Carrot that...
...Li'l Zé says if you kill Knockout Ned, he'll leave you alone.
- Did you hear this, Knockout? - Grab the kid!
You heard the boy? If you don't stick with us, you're dead.
Come join us. We'll be partners.
I don't like drugs. It's between me and him.
Those guys are scum. They'll do anything for power.
Like the kid here, they're all like robots.
Do you have peas for brains, kid?
Can't you see that you're ruining your life with that maniac?
Are you crazy?
You're just a kid.
A kid? I sniffed, I killed, I stole. I'm a man!
He's stuck with his stupid gang. He should join us instead.
Maybe we should slice you up, Steak?
OK, I accept. I'm in.
Go run to Li'l Zé and tell him that Carrot and Knockout Ned are now in charge.
But on one condition... No killing of innocent people.
- I won't tolerate it at all. - OK, no innocents.
No innocent people.
Steak fucked up!
Want a foot up your ass, boy?
- Have you got a gun for me? - No, but we can rob a gun store.
Not a problem.
I don't want to rob anything. I'm not a gangster.
This is personal between me and him. But I'm not a gangster.
He raped your girl, he killed your uncle and brother...
...he destroyed your house and you killed one of his guys.
Well...
If you're not a gangster, then goodbye.
THE STORY OF KNOCKOUT NED
This is a hold-up!
The first time...
Where are the revolvers?
...Knockout Ned saved a clerk from Carrot.
We said no killing! That's the rule!
Just cool it!
We just want the boss' money! Everyone keep calm!
You want us to leave? We do too. Look at the ground!
The second time, Carrot saved Knockout Ned's life.
Knockout learned that there's an exception to every rule
Exception to the rule.
Are you the manager? This is a hold-up.
Everybody down!
I don't fuck around! Anyone who moves will be shot!
The third time, the exception becomes the rule.
With the money from the robberies, they prepared to face Li'l Zé.
Carrot wanted to protect his business.
Knockout Ned, the best shooter in the City of God, wanted revenge.
The Italian first. This is a 9mm. See?
- Can I see it? - It's Italian. Nice, huh?
- The sight isn't aligned. - I'll give you a good price on it.
This is a 12mm. We call it the "hand job". See why?
9mm. Uzi. It's Israeli. The star of David.
I want a 30-06 rifle.
Now we can start having fun!
The war has begun. Lets pray for victory.
"Our Father, who art in heaven...
...hallowed be Thy name..."
Li'l Zé's hoods had the guns but they couldn't shoot straight.
One bullet from Knockout Ned was worth ten from Zé's gang.
Li'l Zé couldn't stand it. He counter-attacked.
The ghetto had always been a purgatory, but now it has become hell.
I decided to get out of there. That's how I became a journalist.
Nice photo! I bet it's by Rogerio Reis.
What did I tell you?
Like any professional...
...I started at the bottom. Way down at the bottom.
Without knowing what awaited me.
Instead of going home I'd go to the paper's office.
A guy from the City of God worked in the lab there.
Check this out.
He helped me to fulfill the dream of my life.
- Hi Rogerio. - How are you, Pierre?
This is Rocket. He's a photographer.
- He's an admirer of yours. - You have a good taste, Rocket.
- Well, I'm done. Bye. - See you.
What a cool guy.
What should have been a swift revenge turned into an all-out war.
The City of God became divided.
You couldn't cross from one section to the other.
Not even to visit a relative.
The police considered anyone living in the slum as a gangster.
We were living in our own Vietnam.
And more and more volunteers kept signing up to die.
This kid...
- What do you want? - A boy from Carrot's gang hit me.
The war became an excuse for anything.
One of Li'l Zé's guys kicked my ass.
Here... You can fuck his ass in return.
The asshole who raped my sister is with Carrot.
Li'l Zé took our apartment.
I want to kill for respect.
Li'l Zé shot my mom.
- What's your name? - I'm Thiago, Benny's friend.
- You know how to read? - Yes.
- Can you do math? - Yes. A bit.
- I'm pretty good in business. - OK, you're hired.
- What do you want? - I want to avenge my father's death.
- What's your name? - My name's Otto.
Here you go.
What's the matter?
- He's a worker. - But he wants a gun.
He won't last a week.
A year later, nobody remembered how it all started.
For both sides, the goal was to take over the enemy's territory...
...in order to buy more guns and take over more territory.
I sniffed, I killed, I stole. I'm a man!
The media started taking interest. The police had to intervene.
A gang leader from the City of God was arrested today.
Manuel Machado, also known as Knockout Ned...
...was hospitalized after being wounded by a rival gang.
He gave us this interview.
- Is the war still going on? - Yes, it's still going on.
How many people have died so far?
Many. Mostly innocent.
Just knowing me is enough to get you killed by Li'l Zé.
- The police don't go in there? - They go after me, not him.
I've been in jail three times, while he keeps killing undisturbed.
Knockout Ned says that the war will continue.
The police chief Guedes has promised to arrest both of the gangs.
Motherfucker! I'm the boss here, but he gets his picture in the newspaper!
- Have you found mine yet? - Just Knockout Ned's.
Keep looking. At least my name gotta be in there somewhere.
- Can you read? - Just the pictures.
- What the hell are you doing? Keep reading. - It's just the wanted ads.
I don't care! Read every fucking thing!
- But there aren't any articles. - Do you prefer a bullet in the head?
Gotta show them who's boss here.
Give me the camera!
- Take my picture, man. - I don't know how it works.
Go ahead.
It doesn't click.
What a bunch of bozos!
I'm fucked with you, guys.
I have an idea. I'll call someone I know.
Hang on.
- He's here. - Take the camera.
Well, kid?
Aren't you a photographer? Take our picture. We can't do it.
- You broke it, idiots. - It wasn't me.
I found the problem.
- What's your name? - Rocket.
Take one more, Rocket.
How about two rows? Everyone with their guns.
- You're outside, dammit! - Talk to him nicely, kid.
Move in, please.
- OK, now show us the pictures. - They have to be developed first.
Developed, eh? How much does it cost?
Take this money. And bring back the pictures.
- I have to remove the film. - No, no, no. Keep the camera.
- Benny wanted to give it to you. It's yours. - Thanks.
Don't forget the pictures, Rocket.
- Pierre. - What?
Can you develop this for me?
I can't, Rocket. I'll get in trouble.
It's only for the newspaper business. I could lose my job.
Pierre, develop these for me. And this one too.
Bye. I'm going for lunch.
- You're lucky. What dimensions do you want? - What?
What dimensions for the enlargement?
Whatever you think is best.
I'm in deep shit now.
I'm as good as dead.
Someone had signed my death sentence.
I wanted to punch that jerk in the face.
Are you Marina? You stole my photos! Because of you, I'm dead!
What are you talking about?
- Not so loud, OK? - They'll kill me because of you!
You were gone and the pictures were in the lab.
Everything that is in the lab is for publication.
- I saw the photos, I published them! - You stole them!
- I did not! Here, take them! - Give them to me!
- Don't you have more? - Relax. What's your name?
- Rocket. - Rocket? Nice to meet you. I'm Marina.
Rocket, calm down. I have money for you.
When a picture is published we pay the photographer.
- Do you want to be a photographer? - Yeah.
Nice start with the front page!
- How did you get these photos? - I live there.
No photographer has ever been able to go in there.
If you could bring us more pictures of Li'l Zé...
...the paper would buy them. We'd pay you a standard fee.
- Could you? - I don't know.
- What's the problem, Rocket? - My problem? I can't go back there at night.
- And during the day? - It's too risky.
Look, man! They finally understand that I'm the boss.
What's the name of this photographer friend of yours?
He's good. I'll show it to others.
So, Rocket. Yes or no? It's a great opportunity.
- OK. - You made the right decision.
I'll give you some films, lenses and another camera.
Come with me to the equipment room.
- There is another problem. - What? What's the problem?
Where can I sleep tonight?
I can't go back now.
This is a 135mm.
- Will you shoot up close or from a distance? - From a distance.
- Can you measure the light? - Yeah.
Aren't you a bit too close?
I don't know what possessed me to go talk to them like that.
Maybe I was about to die, but I had a new camera...
...and a chance to become a real photographer.
Not to mention that the night was still young.
- Do you want to eat something? - No, thanks.
Want something to eat, drink? A joint?
Try this.
Time to go to sleep.
- I'll show you your bed. - Do you have hot water here?
Yes, haven't you ever taken a hot bath?
No, we have to boil hot water in a saucepan.
- Why are you standing there? - In which room am I going to sleep?
Unfortunately, I have only one room. We'll have to sleep together.
I won't go into the details of my first sexual experience.
Because somewhere else, another more important erotic scene was taking place.
Carrot was helping Knockout Ned escape...
...without firing a shot.
The policeman guarding him was in the able hands of the nurse.
And in the meantime, Li'l Zé was buying guns and ammo...
...to eliminate Carrot.
He was investing heavily, even though he couldn't pay.
- Remember the shotgun? - Already have it.
This one is semi-automatic.
But you don't have the Browning. You can shoot down a plane with it.
I'm not interested in shooting down planes. I want what I asked for: American AR-15.
- You can't get them in Brazil. - I don't give a shit.
I have a solution. Ever seen one? The Rugger.
It's like the AR-15. Same caliber but lighter...
- With an infrared sight? 400 shots per minute? - It depends.
Are you trying to fuck me over? I'll fuck you over first.
Go now. Without the money or the guns.
- What am I supposed to say to my boss? - It's your problem. Think of something.
You heard him, chubby. Get out.
Beat it, fatso!
But Li'l Zé had made a big mistake. He should have known that...
...behind every dealer there is a supplier. And they don't joke around.
Did you see this? Why do they need an AR-15?
They'll send in investigators now. We'll get busted. You, then me.
Hey... You don't think I'm gonna squeal, do you?
Look, I'll take care of it. But don't fuck up again.
Charlie! Charlie! Come here.
Listen. Tell him...
Alright. Let's go see now our little drug dealer.
Come here, kids.
- Do you like chicken? - It depends.
We're gonna have a chicken, and for dessert: Carrot.
I have a gift for you.
- A big one for you. - Are you really giving them to us?
Yes, but I want you on my side against Carrot.
- Can we rob anyone we want later? - Not in the slum.
- Do you know how to shoot? - More or less.
More or less? Hey guys! Come give these kids a hand.
I know. You do it like this.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END
Get that chicken!
If Li'l Zé catches you, you're dead.
Yeah, well. He has to find me first.
Hey kid! Grab that chicken!
- Shit! The cops! - Don't run away!
Hey you assholes! Motherfuckers! Get the fuck out of here!
Come on, let them kill each other.
Rocket! Take a picture of us!
What are you waiting for?
Kill those motherfuckers!
Oh shit!
- Relax, don't move. - It hurts!
Relax, kid!
Why did you join this fucking war?
Knockout Ned! Li'l Zé is down!
Wait here. I'll help you in a minute.
- What's your name? - My name is Otto.
I want to avenge my father's death.
Li'l Zé has been hit! Come on!
Hang on, kid.
It's the fucking cops!
On the ground! Hands behind your head!
- You're the one I want. - You're finished, pal.
Handcuff him.
- Where are you going? - I've got something to do.
OK, lovebirds. We have some unfinished business, Li'l Zé.
Not you. You're a present for the media.
- Is it exactly 10,000? - Almost. That's all I have.
That's all, Chief. We searched everything.
OK, let him go.
What about the ring? Is it gold?
Start filling it up. We'll come back for the rest.
Fucking war!
Knockout Ned is dead and I'm dead broke!
You're fucked, eh?
Hey kids. We'll have to do a few hold-ups to get my business going again.
- Your business, Li'l Zé? - Are you crazy, kid?
This is for our friend, motherfucker! Soviet attack!
We're the bosses now!
This photo will make a professional.
This one will make me famous.
Maybe it'll even make the cover of a magazine.
I don't have to worry about Li'l Zé anymore.
But the police?
"Bandit Boss Shot Dead in the City of God"
- This photograph could get you killed. - Quite likely.
- At least it got you a job. - Not a job, an internship.
- But you made some money, right? - Yeah, not much though.
- What about that lady journalist? Was she good? - Good enough.
- You didn't like it? - I don't think journalists know how to screw.
Cocoa robbed three houses in Barra.
Let's kill him.
- Who shot Roger? - We'll kill that fucker.
We should kill Chief and Gringo too.
It's just the two of us, and three others.
Have you heard of the Red Brigade?
No, but if they come, we'll kill them.
- Who knows how to write? - Me, a little.
Let's make a blacklist.
Put Nightbird in there. Leonard too. He owes me money.
And Chinese. He thinks he's so important. Claudio also!
- Where is Giant? - Over there!
I forgot to tell you. My name isn't Rocket anymore.
I'm Wilson Rodrigues. Photographer.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
Manuel Machado, also known as Knockout Ned...
...was hospitalized after being wounded by a rival gang.
He gave us this interview.
Many died. Mostly innocent.
Just knowing me is enough. Just for being my friend...
If he thinks that someone knows me, he'll kill them.
- The police don't go in there? - They go after me, not him.
I've been in jail three times, while he keeps killing undisturbed.
And they don't arrest him.
Knockout Ned says that the war will continue.
The police chief Guedes has promised...
...to arrest both of the gangs.