City of God: The Fight Rages On (2024) s01e01 Episode Script

Episode 1

THIS SERIES IS A FICTIONAL WORK
IT DOESN'T REPRESEN
REAL EVENTS OR PEOPLE
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
You're dead!
Hold him down!
Please! No!
Fuck!
Fuck.
For the last 20 years,
this has been my daily
routine in this wonderful city.
I left the slum, but the
slum didn't leave me.
It's over! Go home!
And things in Rio
de Janeiro are on fire.
Hide! Fuck!
Come! All clear!
In my life I tried to
stay away from crime,
crossing the streets
to avoid the police.
But my love for photography
made me go back to the
place I always tried to leave.
Watch out!
Get that! Shoot! Fuck!
Crime reporters in Rio
live in an eternal war zone.
- Fuck you!
- They are on the left!
You've got to be brave,
and a little insane to be
in the middle of crossfire
just to get the best shot.
Here!
Things were far from
easy in the beginning.
But you get used to it.
As journalists
say, I got tougher.
When I took that
picture of Li'l Zé,
I had no idea photographing dead
people would become my specialty.
Back then I chased chickens.
But nowadays? I
chase the police.
Because, in Rio, where
there's police, there's death,
and where there's
death, there is news.
Don't move!
Let's go!
Go! Go!
Let's go!
Fuck!
Motherfucker!
They're shooting at
us! Motherfuckers!
Shit.
I guess some things
never change. Right?
But some just get worse.
Back then, thugs used
guns, pistols and knives.
Kids nowadays run around with
rifles, machine guns and .50 caliber.
Police used to come here
to arrest and collect kickback.
Let's go!
But these guys are here to kill.
BATTALION OF SPECIAL
POLICE OPERATIONS
When I took my first shots,
we were always between
the police and drug dealers.
Now there are worse people.
They look like the police,
the same guns, and
act like the police,
but they're worse than any
thug I have ever met in Rio.
I'm press.
But it's too soon
to talk about them.
CITY OF GOD THE FIGHT RAGES ON
First, I need to tell you how I
became the most famous photographer
in Rio de Janeiro's
biggest newspaper.
You know how it is.
A guy born and raised in the
ghetto, gets the hang of things in Rio.
And as my old man used to say,
"When you know the river's
curves, fish get caught in the net."
In my case, the net
is an old camera,
and fish are all kinds of
thugs that roam around here.
In all these years
as a journalist,
I've won some prizes
which are great door weights.
I also took a bullet in the leg,
a shrapnel in the shoulder,
and I have a screw in the tibia.
I'm the man when
the subject is death.
But truth is, if I could choose,
I'd go back to taking
photos of the gang,
the black parties, and
the kids flying kites.
Copacabana full of people.
Angélica.
Hey, Rocket, taking
pictures already?
Every time I go to the dark
room to develop the photos I take,
I remember the day
that changed my life.
Rocket, take a picture.
Stringy used to say
I had a way of being in the
wrong place at the wrong time.
Motherfucker!
Soviet attack!
But that time I think I was in
the right place at the right time.
Because thanks to that photo,
I became a photographer.
No. It's not that.
The police or the press. Or
the story is simply not worth it.
How are things with the bodies?
Are they recognizable?
Are they carbonized?
Okay. I'll see.
I'll let you know.
Wilson, this is great, man.
This is great, man!
Matheus, and the transfer
to the sports magazine?
I'm too old for this stuff.
Be glad you'll be
on the cover again.
Smile for a change.
- Enjoy it!
- I'm smiling.
They found two more
bodies at Blue Gardenia.
It's the third time this month.
Matheus, I just told you.
Can't you send Pierre?
Sure. I'll send Pierre
with you.
Now go get that front
page for your collection. Go!
Hey, Matheus.
I'm still your boss.
Show me some damn respect!
Another tragic day
at Blue Gardenia.
The police has no new
evidence about the suspects,
but it's likely they
were involved in a war
between gangs,
which, for years, have
troubled Rio's capital.
The military has been raiding
the City of God and Blue Gardenia,
in the west side of Rio, since
this Wednesday morning.
In the City of
God, agents from
To photograph crime and
survive, there can be no mistakes.
You need to know when to
shoot, and when to lower your gun.
Leka!
See who's at the door!
I'm busy!
Leka! Goddamn it.
Can't even open the door.
- Sweetie.
- Hi, Mom.
What a miracle.
That's as rare as hen's teeth.
- Have you eaten?
- Not really.
Then let's eat.
That's enough, Mom. I'm full.
Hey.
Here. That's all I have,
it's been a tough month.
I have to go.
Stringy won't leave me alone
because of the campaign.
Leka is upstairs. Aren't you
going to see your daughter?
Go see your daughter.
- That song.
- It's like this. Look.
I'm riding hard
I'm riding hard You
just wait and see
What's with the face?
You always sing about
riding, about your pussy.
Then you write it, clown.
I'm going to write
about ass. Listen up.
My ass is thick Call
me sweet cheeks
My ass is thick
At least it's different.
- I have to go, Mom.
- Sit down.
- I'm late, Mom.
- Sit down!
My mom believes she
can read people's fate
with a handful of
shells in a plate.
If only I had believed
her orishas that day,
maybe I could have
avoided all of the disgrace
that changed the
City of God forever.
But before I get
into the tragedy,
I need to tell you
about the good things.
This wall, Rocket.
Don't call me Rocket. I
told you to call me Wilson.
Come on, Rocket. No
one here calls you Wilson.
Just take the picture.
- Unbelievable. Okay.
- Do it.
I left the City of God a long
time ago, but Stringy stayed.
But we're still close.
But that's friendship.
We're close even apart.
He's like a brother to me.
- You need a wheelchair, right?
- Yes.
- Stop by the office.
- Sure.
- Get better soon.
- Thanks.
- Bye.
- God bless you.
Stringy is the president of
the residents' association,
coach of the soccer team,
and he still has the best
moves of the community.
Come here, kids. Let's
take a picture. Come on.
Remember Benny? Benny
would be proud of Stringy.
Everyone in City
of God loves him.
So he decided to run
for councilor this year.
Make the peace sign.
How are you, man?
The community used to be known
for thugs like Li'l Zé,
Knockout Ned and Carrot,
but now it's time for Rio to
see the other side of the slum.
What's up?
Alright, man?
That was Stringy's dream.
And of course I had
to support my friend.
I'll talk to them.
Right.
- How's it going?
- Hi.
- You good, bro?
- Sure.
- Hey, man.
- You good?
- What about Arlete?
- She opened an Internet café.
- Tell her I'm visiting.
- You got it.
Do you know him? Arlete's son.
The beers
What's up, guys?
The kids are playing.
What's up, kids?
Go to the association, ask for a ball,
and I'll pay a soda to the winning team.
Smile for the camera.
One more. Nice.
Come on, Amanda. Try harder.
Pay attention, kids.
Nice. Get in
control. You did it.
Delano is another great
guy in the City of God.
But, unlike Stringy,
he believes change needs
to come from the inside,
like his mom taught him.
Are we done?
Great.
He always says
he's not into politics,
but he does his best to keep
the kids away from crime.
Teacher, did you
think about that thing?
I don't know, Amanda.
- Why not?
- Your father.
It's my sister's birthday.
It's the least you could do.
I'll think about it.
- Please do.
- Okay.
Delano, my favorite
teacher in the world.
- You're wearing shoes on my tatami.
- My bad.
Our champion girl!
Hi, Stringy.
- Hi, Cinthia.
- Rocket.
- It's so good to see you.
- Actually, my name is Wilson.
Sure, Mr. Wilson.
Can you believe it?
Sign the authorization, Stringy.
We're buying light poles for the court.
Really? Great!
I'm talking about the good
guys in the City of God,
but neither Stringy or Delano
would be half as great as they are
if it wasn't for Cinthia.
Cinthia is the kind of woman
that can turn tragedy into strength.
After everything Li'l Zé did, and
Knockout Ned died revenging her,
Cinthia found out she was
pregnant, and when Delano was born,
she did everything to
make sure kids in the slum
didn't have the same
fate her friends did.
So she created the
residents' association,
and she runs it with Stringy.
One more. Nice.
Careful. It has to be
perfect. So fix that.
What the fuck, Spider? It's
right in the middle of the court!
Where are people going to dance?
There's the girls,
the kids and the band!
Relax, Berenice. It'll be great.
It's going right
here. You'll love it.
- Now it looks like a samba school.
- Right!
- Hey, Stringy.
- My God.
You good?
- It's good to see you.
- Hi.
Hey. How are you?
- It's looking good.
- See? Fifteen years, Stringy.
- Let's talk about the election.
- Sure.
I'm taking pictures for the campaign.
I need the support of your school.
Who said it's his school?
- It belongs to the community.
- You're absolutely right.
- Yeah.
- I'll call everyone.
You see how it is, Rocket?
Further down. The kids
have to be in the photo.
Big smile, guys.
Celebrity is here!
The famous Rocket!
Genivaldo Curió does everything
his way, but under the table.
After Li'l Zé died
and Carrot went to jail,
the kids from the Runts
couldn't run things for long.
So Curió took over the slum.
I can't deny that,
in his own way,
Curió helped Stringy and
Cinthia to make the City of God
a little more peaceful.
Dayane is dying to go
on a cruise, so I got that.
Everyone can enjoy it.
How are things going there?
Berenice is complaining about
the mess, but everything's fine.
There's no place
for the drums, Spider.
Make space, Spider!
For fuck's sake!
Berenice, I want the samba host
and flag-bearer to be spectacular.
Spectacular.
Rocket, your daughter's
playing at my party.
Sure.
Dayane is 15
years old. Time flies.
It really does.
This party is going
to be legendary.
And you will be
the photographer.
Sorry, man. I have to work.
I promised her the best.
You must be at my
little girl's birthday party.
Am I right?
Berenice, tell PQD that
I want him at the party.
You know those friendly guys?
Those who get everything
they want with sweet talk?
That's Curió.
Almost everyone here adores
him, except a few like Berenice.
After Shaggy was killed,
she never wasted her
time on thugs again.
Berenice spent some
time away to forget her pain,
but she got homesick
and came back.
Now she's like a
mom to people here.
She says what's on her
mind and cares for everyone.
Get down!
Are you insane?
Berenice's motto, "I hit
them so the police won't."
- Berenice!
- Yeah!
She's amazing.
Jesus
Look what I've done.
Look what your mother did.
But it worked.
Lower hit! Come on!
Get out of the way!
Don't fall.
Come on! Fuck!
That one is well known in the
community since Li'l Zé's time.
Bradock was the
leader of the Runts,
the kids who killed Li'l Zé. and
took over The Apartments' Corner.
But you know how things
are. When kids make a mess,
there's always an adult
to set things straight.
So Curió took over everything.
Bradock became the
leader's right hand.
Until he was arrested
a few years back.
There's something in your mouth.
You should have
stopped when I fell.
My bad, man.
What's up, my man?
You did good.
This is for you.
Ceará. Great.
Antena, take this.
Waldemar Cavalcante.
- It's me.
- Get your shit and come with me.
Why? What do you want? Nobody
told me I was being transferred.
You're not being
transferred. You're free.
Are you messing with me?
Hurry up!
Come on!
Fuck.
Bye, Ceará!
- You deserve it, man. Go on.
- Freedom!
Listen up!
I'm fucking free!
I'm fucking free!
I'm free!
You owe me.
It'll be my pleasure.
My God!
Yeah.
Chop-chop! My
client is in a hurry.
I'm free, ma'am.
I'm free as a bird.
You first.
Thanks.
I missed this shit.
Hello, Rio de Janeiro!
Nobody's going
to fucking stop me!
Waldemar Bradock
is in the house!
I'm fucking free!
Stop the car. I want
to go for a swim.
You got it.
Salt water.
We're here with the
Secretary of Security.
Reginaldo, what can you tell us
about the crime that got two
German tourists killed last Friday?
Our wonderful city attracts
tourists from all over the world,
and it needs to be able to
offer security to its visitors.
But I have faith we will
punish those delinquents.
Reginaldo Cavani.
Rio de Janeiro's
Secretary of Security.
Who would've thought?
Our paths crossed a
few times in the past.
But you guys know that back
then he was known as Melonhead.
The motherfucker
terrorized the community.
He made money bribing.
He arrested thugs, asked for
kickback and released them.
- Where are you going?
- I need to see that! Wait.
He has made fame and fortune
killing thieves in the South Zone.
Then he became paladin
of justice and joined politics.
So he didn't really change
careers, just climbed the ranks.
What's that?
He was the one
after the Tender Trio,
the Robin Hood-like gang
my brother was part of.
- We got to go!
- Let's go!
The case involving
the tourists moved me,
because of the cruelty those
thugs had murdering the couple.
We're already in touch with the families
to facilitate the bodies' transfer.
TOURISTS HOMICIDE
SHOCKS RIO DE JANEIRO
Well done, Dad.
The media loved that
you mentioned the tourists.
You could have
mentioned the election.
Are you trying to teach me
what I should or should not say?
Hold on.
SECRETARY OF SECURITY
Do whatever you want with me.
- Get ready for the party.
- What party?
Our little party here is better.
Curió's daughter's
15th birthday party.
I want to see his face when
he sees his prodigal son is back.
The party is beautiful.
Great.
Axé.
- Enjoy the party.
- Hi.
Gorgeous.
Thank you.
I don't know how
to use this thing.
It's just a lipstick, hon.
Look who's here.
MC Leka.
What's wrong with
you now? Are you high?
Come on. Stop that.
You lost all respect. You can
grope me if you want, right?
Don't pretend you don't
like it. Come on, baby.
- Genny, stop.
- Listen.
You think you can do whatever
you want at your dad's party.
- Thank you.
- Did you forget who you're talking to?
My God!
Look at his pistol!
Let me see if it's
charged, Genivaldo Jr.
Help Ana Ju.
- Sure, Berenice.
- Touch her hair up.
What is this kid doing here?
- No one knows.
- What's up?
They're getting ready and
need privacy. Get the hell out!
Give me the tweezers.
- Get him!
- You're done.
Respect the thugs!
Eat this. You'll need all
the energy you can get.
And twerk.
My ass is thick Call
me sweet cheeks
I'm not dead!
Guys, can I take a picture?
Such a beautiful family.
- Rocket!
- Come on!
Wait a second, Rocket.
Way better.
- Take the pic, Rocket.
- Sure.
Look.
Come on, Rocket. Did
you take the picture?
Goddamn kiss ass.
Come here, Dayane.
Take a picture.
Closer, sweetie.
- Is this better?
- Yes.
Let's give her a kiss.
OUR DAYANE'S 15TH BIRTHDAY
SINCE 1989
- Thank you for dancing with my sister.
- Sure.
Are you tearing up?
So there's a beating
heart in there?
She's my goddaughter.
I'd die for her.
There you are.
I thought you were spending
all night with those thugs.
I would rather spend the
night with the most beautiful,
sweet-smelling and
hot woman in this slum.
Yeah?
Our song.
- Let's dance.
- Yeah.
What's up, City of God!
This party is beautiful.
Congrats, Dayane.
Now let's give it up to
the princess of slutiness.
MC Leka!
MC Leka
Come
I'm riding hard
I'm riding hard You
just wait and see
I'm riding really hard
I'm riding hard You
just wait and see
I have a big butt You
can call me sweet cheeks
My ass is thick Call me
Holy fuck It's MC Leka
I'm going to make
you miss my pussy
Holy fuck No strings attached
I'm going to make
you miss my pussy
So, are you enjoying the show?
I'm riding hard
I'm riding hard You
just wait and see
I'm riding hard
I'm riding
- Won't you take pics of your daughter?
- Haven't you listened to her song?
Come on, Rocket.
You moved to the South Zone
and think you can judge the music?
You're here to photograph the
party, and your daughter is beautiful.
She's gorgeous. Just
do it. Don't be a bummer.
Holy fuck No strings attached
Come on!
I'm going to make
you miss my pussy
Come
What the fuck?
Am I seeing a mirage?
Fuck! Big Daddy!
- Fuck!
- Fuck!
How could you keep this from me?
- I wanted it to be a surprise.
- I loved it!
It's my job.
You dirty old man!
The birthday girl!
- My baby sister.
- Big brother.
- Fuck, Genny.
- Bradock!
You got so big!
- Hi, Auntie.
- Is it really you?
As I live and breathe. I'm back.
- Axé.
- Axé.
Thanks, brother. Freedom.
Fuck!
- I can't believe it!
- Fuck!
- I told you I'd hug you.
- You're the man.
- The Runts! Fuck!
- The Runts! Fuck!
- Thanks, Stringy. Rocket.
- Hi, man.
You're a good one. It's good to see
you. Yeah, Big Daddy. We're back.
I need to talk to you.
You know I don't
like to waste time.
Go take care of your queen.
She's worth the
trouble, and then some!
My head is about to explode.
I've been in jail for
too long. You know?
- I need to come back.
- We'll see the best way.
What do you mean?
We'll see. Junior is in charge.
He's doing a hell of a job.
He might be doing well, but
So just enjoy yourself.
Call me if you need anything.
Money, a car, cocaine. Whatever it is.
Meanwhile, I'll
think about things.
Come on. That has always been my
job. The Apartments' Corner is mine.
He's my fucking son.
He's practically your
brother! Calm down!
I need to talk to the guests.
We'll talk later. Don't be mad.
You're family.
I'll take care of you.
He can't do that to you,
Bradock. It's outrageous.
It's a family thing,
Crazy. We'll sort it out.
Family doesn't do that.
You were in jail for six
years, and no one visited.
Now he says you're family.
And you're falling for it.
It's not like that.
Just drive.
Fuck! Go for it!
Turn! Fuck!
Fuck!
Come on, man!
What are you doing?
Motherfucker!
There he goes!
Run for it!
Get rid of him!
- Go!
- Come on!
Here!
I love you!
I love you!
Take that!
CITY OF GOD 3 - VISITING TEAM 2
- Come on, man.
- Pay attention.
- Go!
- PQD! Fuck!
- What's up, Big Daddy?
- Bradock.
Can we talk about that thing?
Don't worry, son.
Just watch the game.
Number ten is on fire.
We'll talk later.
- I need it now.
- Relax.
I want to come back.
Whisky, boss.
Let the boss breathe.
Smoke a joint and relax.
I'm not talking to
you. I'm talking to him.
What the fuck?
Fuck you!
Enough!
Enough!
- Goddamn it!
- Asshole!
It's a soccer
match! Not a fight!
If you want to fight, get
the fuck out of my slum!
Jesus.
What's wrong with them?
Go back to play.
Enjoy your freedom.
Do you still play? You
could join the team.
Fuck that! What are
you talking about?
I didn't get out of
jail to play soccer.
ZeroOnze, get me
a really cold beer.
Bradock needs to cool down.
Have you lost your mind?
You can't press me like
that in front of everyone!
Have you lost respect?
No, Big Daddy. I do have
a lot of respect for you.
I spent six years in jail
for something Junior did.
We're talking.
Come on, Big Daddy. I'm a man.
I didn't rat anyone out.
It wasn't easy for me in there.
I don't want any trouble. I
just want my corner back.
What are you talking about?
Your corner? It's my corner.
You were just a corner boy.
You said we were family.
I raised you like a son.
If you still don't respect your
father, it's time for you to learn!
You've got some nerve, boy.
When am I taking over?
Do you need anything, boss?
Everything is fine.
Let's go. I'm done
with this game.
Bradock, you're
just nervous, brother.
You're not thinking straight.
Cool down.
He's not going to
leave you high and dry.
MAGLIANO CAR LO
- Hi.
- How are you?
Please.
What's the rush, Jerusa?
- Remember that thing I told you?
- Yeah.
I need the equipment.
So where's the money?
Well
What kind of
equipment do you need?
WELCOME
I'm starting to think
he's not coming.
Don't worry.
God spits out the
lukewarm, Bradock.
- You're too tame.
- Sit down.
Who the fuck does he
think he is making us wait?
Just fucking relax.
He'll show up.
- You trust him too much.
- Don't worry.
- What's up, Bradock?
- What do you want?
- Curió's not coming.
- What?
Spit it out.
He said you and Junior are
brothers, and you're sharing the corner.
Half and half.
You can start tomorrow.
Is that a joke?
Then you go tell Curió that
fucking corner is Bradock's.
Or we'll take it.
Are you sure, Bradock?
Are you taking
orders from this bitch?
Have some respect, motherfucker!
- You're okay with that?
- Listen, kid.
Go back and pass
the message to Curió.
I'm not this bitch's
message boy.
You're the bitch.
I don't need boys to
send messages for me.
Curió wants war? He's got it.
BASED ON "CITY OF GOD",
A NOVEL BY PAULO LINS
INSPIRED BY FERNANDO
MEIRELLES' FILM "CITY OF GOD"
CITY OF GOD THE FIGHT RAGES ON