The dialogue and action in City Of God’s small-screen spin-off is toned down and the emphasis shifted onto comedy. Nevertheless, much of the film’s edgy mood miraculously survives the transfer. No doubt this is because all the feature’s major players – from the co-directors down to the director of photography – were directly involved.

Over four episodes that bristle with energy, youngsters Laranjinha (Darlan Cunha) and Acerola (Douglas Silva) re-introduce us to the sweltering favelas, as they try to make some cash, impress local gangsters and survive to the end of the day.