“City of God: The Fight Rages On.” / “Vikings: Valhalla.”

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“City of God: The Fight Rages On” (Max) Brazilian crime series, based on the novel by Paulo Lins, and a follow-up to the 2002 film “City of God” by Fernando Meirelles. Takes place twenty years after the events of the original film, with Wilson "Rocket" Rodrigues recounting how conflicts between the police, drug dealers and militias affected the community.



       I did enjoy this series. Fast-paced, no-frills bravado. Superbly acted, never mind the melodramatic backstories. The movie as a visual art is unrelenting, powerful, and sublime. A fitting TV series sequel to Mr Meirelles’ 2002 film masterpiece.

       Two decades hence, Rocket achieves his dreams of becoming a photojournalist. He returns to the favela to document the disputes between drug dealers, police, militiamen, and politicians and how the events impact the lives of its residents.

       Nothing much has actually taken place apart from the characters getting older. Same problems, crazy gangs battles for turf power, government ineptitude, police corruption. But you'd still be captivated by the high-adrenaline ride. 🎥👍📽


“Vikings: Valhalla” (Netflix) Season 3, historical drama, sequel to “Vikings.” Set more than 100 years after the events of Vikings; in England, tensions between the descendants of the Vikings and native English reach a bloody breaking point. The Norse also clash amongst themselves over conflicting Christian and pagan beliefs.



       Definitely not as exciting, dramatic, and swashbuckling as “Vikings.” I finished all three seasons, anyway, although “Valhalla” offers more melodramatic kitsch than riveting gallantry and enthralling adventure that are the promise of the Norse lore.

       Acting as well are cliché, linear hence emotional yarns. Well, except for Leo Suter as Harald Sigurdsson. The rest are simply confectionary adornments, including supposedly leads Sam Corlett as Leif Erikson, Frida Gustavsson as Freydís Eiríksdóttir, Bradley Freegard as King Canute the Great, and Laura Berlin as Queen Emma. 🎭👎🎬


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