Philadelphia Inquirer by Steven Rea

In many ways, City of Men is like a Portuguese-language version of David Simon's "The Wire."

USA Today by Claudia Puig

A poignant look at the legacies of fathers who abdicate their responsibilities.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Bill White

Cunha and Silva, both featured in 2002's similarly themed "City of God," have been playing these roles since they were 13, and the rapport between them is electrifying. Much of the sweetness of the film comes from what they bring to their roles.

Charlotte Observer by Lawrence Toppman

The three leads all played these characters over multiple seasons on the TV show; they're comfortable in these skins, and they show that. (Confusingly, all three appeared in "City of God" under other characters' names.)

Chicago Tribune by Michael Phillips

Director Morelli and editor Daniel Rezende know how to set up complex lines of action and keep the screws tight.

TV Guide Magazine by Ken Fox

It's lighter, funnier and violent, and it's not entirely without hope, making this tale of survival under horrendous conditions far more suitable for younger, more impressionable audiences.

San Francisco Chronicle by Ruthe Stein

A compelling and visually arresting drama.

Portland Oregonian by Shawn Levy

It's energetic and occasionally inspired. Its gritty, sweaty, shiny feel deepens the case that there's a vital new essence to Brazilian cinema.

Washington Post

So much emotional traffic streams through this City of Men that it's easy to miss a narrative turnoff. You won't get lost, but your sense of direction might be profoundly changed.

Variety by Derek Elley

Despite its sudsy storyline, this second tour through the punk-infested Rio slums could attract more mature arthouse auds, drawn by character rather than the minutiae of guns 'n' drugs, though it's unlikely to match "God's" muscular $7.5 million U.S. take.

Washington Post by John Anderson

So much emotional traffic streams through this City of Men that it's easy to miss a narrative turnoff. You won't get lost, but your sense of direction might be profoundly changed.

The A.V. Club by Nathan Rabin

City Of Men has its share of problems, but being too entertaining isn't one of them.

Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman

As heavy with message as any Hollywood delinquent drama of the late '50s.

Village Voice

Paulo Morelli directs capably, with a heavy dash of MTV-generation flair: hyper-saturated colors, close-ups of skin glittering with sweat, and a constant patter of gunfire that undergirds the soundtrack like a steady heartbeat.

New York Magazine (Vulture) by David Edelstein

City of Men is clunky and often contrived, but there’s something haunting about fatherless boys in a blighted place fumbling to teach themselves what it means to be a man.