2. Learning Objectives
Evaluation the WJEC criteria for
Section A – World Cinema – Urban
Stories: Power, Poverty & Conflict
Highlight Key Themes & Social
Issues that appear in City of God
Watch Elite Squad and evaluate
the exploration of Social Issues in
relation to City of God

3. Links to Elite Squad
The WJEC Film Studies specification states the
following:
Specialist Study 1: Urban Stories -
Power, Poverty and Conflict
The expectation is that candidates will choose two
principal films representing life in difficult urban
environments, and that these will be supplemented by
two further films studied more briefly. The challenge
of this topic is to compare and contrast films which may
come from very different social and cultural contexts.
You are expected to discuss both La Haine and City of God
in detail and supplement your analysis with references to
both The Battle of Algiers & Elite Squad

4. Links to Elite Squad
In your note pads compile a list of the following:
Key social issues raised by City of God
Now provide examples of two or more scenes from the film when these
issues are raised
Issue Analysis
Cycle of violence within the city The film highlights the never ending cycle of violence within the city
through its narrative structure. The film is split in to three distinct
chapters charting the progression of crime from the 1960’s. Each
chapter is increasingly more violent than the last and the presence of
guns more common. The cyclical nature of violence is best
exemplified by Lil Ze as we follow his rise from street kid to slum lord.
He is ingratiated in to crime at an early age during the hotel robbery,
after which he lays out intentions to take over the city. This scene is
echoed during Lil Ze’s death as the runts proclaim the same things
after his murder. Cycles are again used during the montage of Lil Ze’s
drug den. We see the different generations of younger criminals
taking over from the older generations.

5. Links to Elite Squad
Working in pairs create a mind map making notes
on the following:
Tom / Stephen
How are men represented in the film? Matt / Adam
Danielle / James How are women represented in the film?
Danny / Henry
You must include:
Key scenes
Analysis of Key Scenes
Consider the role of the different characters and the locations they
appear in
An analysis of the different roles they inhabit within the city and
the film

6. Links to Elite Squad
Each group must now present their ideas on the
whiteboard and complete half a mind map
When you are not at the board you must makes notes
from your classmates and complete the mind map
handout

7. Links to Elite Squad
Using the information you have gathered today
you will now watch Elite Squad and makes notes
on how the social issues and themes of City of God
are mirrored in the film
You must also make a note of the themes/issues raise
that are unique to Elite Squad