film adaptation since the semi - autobiographical novel . " City of God " is the most dangerous slums in Rio de Janeiro , the children living here almost everybody has a gun , any truck to enter this area to escape the fate of being robbed , has become a haven for violent drug , even the police are not inclined to get involved . Grew up in the growth of the Rocket, and all the playmates around , life has been surrounded by violence, bloodshed, and drug , however, the Rocket there is a beyond a focused mind, to face the harsh living environment , the Rocket to the photographic record his sentimental observation .