City of Men, wow. This film packs a serious punch, like trying to catch crayfish barehanded—if you’re not careful, it can catch you off guard. Directed by Paulo Morelli, it’s sort of a spiritual cousin to City of God, but let’s not make it the younger sibling constantly in the shadow, eh? It’s got its own charm, even if it staggers here and there.

You know, watching this film took me back to this unforgettable summer in Malmö. I was young—kanske 15—when I saw the first episode of the Brazilian TV series on which City of Men is based. The sheer energy of Rio’s favelas felt almost as vibrant as Möllevången on a Saturday morning, with its mix of cultures and chaos, yet a sense of community that’s almost palpable.

Now, let’s talk about the lads, Acerola and Laranjinha. Their friendship is the backbone of the movie, driven by loyalty amidst chaos. That crazy tension between friends as they navigate life—and things sometimes don’t go pair-shaped—reminded me of my own youth. Who hasn’t had a mate they’d do just about anything for, right?

But here’s the kicker, the film teeters a bit on cliché at moments. You kinda want to know more about the other characters. It’s like eating just one kanelbulle, you just know there is more to enjoy. But that samba-infused soundtrack—man, it’s as vibrant as a Västerbotten cheese pie at Midsummer.

All said and done, City of Men doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not. Like a warm cup of coffee out at my favourite fik with a friend, it’s a simple joy that warms you up, with a bit of a sting. Makes you ponder life and friendship, with a wish to run barefoot through the cobbled streets of Rio—or even Gamla Stan, if you’re daring.

If you haven’t already, grab some popcorn and check out the trailer here: City of men