downloadable movies
ABOUT THE MOVIE
City of Men
*** (out of four)
Stars: Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha
Director: Paulo Morelli
Rating: R for violent content, language and some sexuality
Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Opens Friday in select cities
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY The yearning of sons beneficial to their absent fathers is at the core of the grimly moving follow-up to 2003’s awful City of God, in regard to life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.
While Men is not as energetic or bracing as God, it is a disturbing exploration of sharp drug culture in Rio’s shantytowns. It’s also a poignant look at the legacies of fathers who abdicate their responsibilities.
CLIP: Get a peek of ‘City of Men’
City of God was directed by the estimable Fernando Meirelles, and Men (in Portuguese, with English subtitles) is directed by his producing partner, Paulo Morelli.
Ace (Douglas Silva) and Wallace (Darlan Cunha) are on the brink of manhood. Ace, though not quite 18, has a young son. The two are struggling with maturing and breaking the cycle of poverty and violence. Their friendship is tested when they are on different sides of a gang war.
City of Men demonstrates the power of human resilience.
To report corrections and clarifications, contact Reader Editor Brent Jones. For publication meditation in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, incorporated town and state for verification. 
Enlarge Miramax Films