22 years after the grand premiere of City of God, HBO has developed its continuation, but this time in series format and with the same actors. Here, check if the story of “The Fight Rages On” is based on real events.

Alexandre Rodrigues in City of God: The Fight Rages On.
© IMDbAlexandre Rodrigues in City of God: The Fight Rages On.

“City of God: The Fight Rages On” is HBO’s latest hit that has arrived on Max, reviving a story we thought was forgotten. The drama returned in series format, and its first season has already become one of the most-watched.

The success of the 2002 film, which earned four Oscar nominations, was the driving force behind the creation of the new TV show, which aims to expand and update the original narrative for a new audience.

Several members of the past cast returned once again, including Alexandre Rodrigues (the main protagonist, Rocket), along with other key characters who bring continuity to the popular storyline.

Is City of God: The Fight Rages On based on a true story?

Yes! “City of God: The Fight Rages On” is based on true events and continues the story that began with the 2002 movie. Both productions were inspired by the novel Cidade de Deus, written by Paulo Lins.

The narrative reflects the real experiences of the inhabitants of the violent favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The new series, created by Aly Muritiba, is set two decades after the events of the original drama.

The seven episodes once again immerse us in the lives of those who survived the brutal gang wars, and the plot begins with the release from prison of a young drug dealer.

The official site of Robert Ebert, the renowned critic, noted that the lack of youthful energy and vitality makes the aging of its characters and the realities even darker than the first installment.

What is City of God about?

Based on true events, the film narrates the story of life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the development and evolution of violence and crime in the community. It follows the lives of several characters over the decades.

The narrative begins in the 1960s and extends into the 1980s, highlighting the lives of two young men, Buscapé (Rocket) and Zé Pequeno (Li’l Ze). The former aspires to be a photographer, while the latter becomes a violent gang leader.