In the slums of Rio, two boys’ fates collide in a gripping drama of crime, redemption, and survival.
Watch the original version of City of God
Prologue:
The slums of Rio de Janeiro are a world unto themselves, a place where poverty and violence reign supreme. It’s a place where survival is the name of the game, and death is always lurking around the corner. In this world, two boys find themselves on opposite sides of the spectrum. One struggles to survive through honest means, while the other finds himself drawn into the dangerous life of crime. In the City of God, their paths will cross in unexpected ways, leading to a story of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Chapter 1: Lost in the Slums
The sun beats down mercilessly on the favela, its unforgiving rays drenching the maze of jumbled buildings and narrow alleys in a harsh orange glow. The smell of sweat and sewage hangs heavy in the air, as the people of the slums go about their daily lives. Among them are two boys who will come to be known as Rocket and Lil Dice.
Rocket is a slender boy with a mop of unruly hair and a camera slung over his shoulder. He wanders through the slums, his camera always at the ready, capturing the harsh realities of life in the favela. He falls in with a group of boys who roam the streets, scavenging for scraps and anything else they can sell for a few coins. Rocket is different from them, though. He doesn’t want to be a criminal, he wants to be a photographer.
Lil Dice, on the other hand, is a boy whose eyes glitter with a dangerous intensity. He’s always been fascinated by violence, and he seems to have been born with an innate sense of how to be a criminal. He’s a natural leader, and the other boys look up to him. As Rocket and Lil Dice cross paths, their lives will forever change.
One hot afternoon, Lil Dice was walking with his group of cronies when he saw Rocket on the other side of the street. Lil Dice didn’t know who he was, but he could see a camera around his neck. Something about the way he held it piqued Lil Dice’s interest, and he decided to cross the street to investigate.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Rocket asked.
“I’m just checking out your camera, man,” Lil Dice replied, his eyes glittering with mischief.
Rocket was wary, but he couldn’t deny the strange attraction he felt towards the other boy. They shared a moment of silent understanding, each seeing something in the other that they couldn’t quite put into words.
As the sun began to set, Lil Dice and Rocket parted ways, each going back to their respective lives. But their paths would cross again, and this time it would be under very different circumstances.
A few weeks later, Lil Dice and his gang were involved in a violent altercation with a rival gang. Rocket happened to be walking by, camera in hand, and he began to capture the scene. Lil Dice noticed him and his camera, and he decided to use the opportunity to his advantage. He pointed to Rocket and shouted, “He’s with them! Get him!”
Rocket was suddenly surrounded by Lil Dice’s gang, who roughed him up and threatened him. But they didn’t harm him, because Lil Dice saw an opportunity in Rocket’s photography. He could use Rocket as a sort of propaganda, a way to document the power and influence of his gang.
From that day on, Rocket found himself caught up in the dangerous world of Lil Dice and his gang. He didn’t want to be there, but he couldn’t escape. He was in too deep, too involved. In the City of God, there was nowhere to run, and no one to turn to.
Chapter 2: The Rise of Lil Dice
Years had passed since Rocket and Lil Dice first crossed paths in the slums of Rio. The once-innocent boys had grown into young men, and their paths had diverged in ways neither could have imagined.
While Rocket had pursued his passion for photography, capturing the beauty and brutality of life in the slums, Lil Dice had taken a different turn. He had become a ruthless criminal, building a gang of loyal followers and quickly rising through the ranks of Rio’s underworld.
At first, Lil Dice’s successes were small. He started by recruiting other young boys from the slums to help him with small-time robberies, picking pockets and stealing from unsuspecting tourists. But as he gained more confidence and experience, his ambitions grew.
It wasn’t long before Lil Dice had become a force to be reckoned with in the slums. His gang grew in size and influence, and soon he was a feared kingpin, controlling vast swathes of territory and wielding power over those who dared to cross him.
Rocket, always on the fringes of Lil Dice’s world, continued to document the rise of the young kingpin in his photography. He captured images of Lil Dice giving orders, his face set in a cold, hard expression as his underlings rushed to obey him. He snapped pictures of Lil Dice’s enemies – both real and imagined – being subjected to brutal violence at the hands of his henchmen.
But even as Rocket documented Lil Dice’s reign of terror, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of something else. Was it admiration? Fear? Pity?
For all his viciousness, Lil Dice was still just a boy from the slums, trying to make something of himself in a world that had always seemed determined to crush him. And in some ways, Rocket saw something of himself in Lil Dice – a sense of determination, a refusal to be beaten down by the hopelessness of their surroundings.
But as Lil Dice’s power continued to grow, so too did the violence and chaos that followed in his wake. Rival gangs began to emerge, challenging Lil Dice’s dominance and threatening his hold over the slums. And as Lil Dice struggled to maintain his power, he turned to increasingly dangerous tactics to keep his enemies at bay.
Before long, Lil Dice had formed an alliance with a corrupt police officer, using his connections to the force to intimidate and eliminate his rivals. Rocket captured it all on film – the bribes, the beatings, the dead bodies left in the streets as a warning to others.
But even as Lil Dice’s star continued to rise, Rocket couldn’t help but wonder where it would all end. Would Lil Dice become unstoppable, ruling over the slums with an iron fist for years to come? Or would his reign be cut short, his thirst for power and violence leading to his ultimate downfall?
Rocket had no way of knowing what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain – the path that Lil Dice had chosen was a dangerous and treacherous one. And as he looked through his photographs, each one telling a story of brutality and cruelty, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The rise of Lil Dice may have been an impressive feat, but at what cost to the people of the slums?
Chapter 3: A New Rivalry
As the sun sets over the cramped streets of the Rio de Janeiro slums, Lil Dice and his gang scan the horizon, on the lookout for any sign of the new rival gang that has been causing trouble in their territory. The crackle of radios can be heard throughout the neighborhood, as gang members communicate with each other in hushed tones.
Across town, Rocket is preparing his camera equipment, knowing that something big is about to happen in the slums. He has been documenting Lil Dice’s rise to power for months, and now he senses that a major turning point is on the horizon.
The next morning, as Rocket sets out to capture the daily life of the slums, he spots a group of new gang members dressed in black and carrying weapons. They march through the streets with a menacing confidence that leaves Rocket feeling uneasy. He quickly takes photos of the new arrivals, knowing that this could be the start of something dangerous.
Days later, Lil Dice’s gang learns that the rival gang has made their presence known in the center of the slums, taking over a stretch of road that was previously controlled by Lil Dice’s gang. In response, Lil Dice and his gang mobilize, armed with machetes, guns, and whatever else they can get their hands on.
Rocket follows Lil Dice and his gang, capturing every moment of their preparations for what is sure to be a bloody confrontation. He watches as they move with a fluidity that speaks to their years of experience, each member playing their role with deadly precision.
As they approach the rival gang’s territory, the tension in the air is palpable. Rocket can feel his heart racing as he realizes that he could be in danger. But he keeps his camera trained on the action, determined to document every moment of what is about to happen.
The two gangs meet in the middle of the road, staring each other down. Lil Dice steps forward, his eyes flashing with anger. He demands to know why the rival gang has entered his territory.
A tense moment passes before a member of the rival gang steps forward, defiantly claiming that they are here to stake their claim in the slums. Lil Dice’s gang doesn’t take kindly to this, and a violent fight breaks out.
Rocket is caught in the middle of the melee, dodging blows and capturing the chaos on film. He watches as Lil Dice’s gang quickly gains the upper hand, their superior numbers and ruthless tactics proving too much for the rival gang.
As the rival gang is forced to retreat, Lil Dice’s gang hoots and hollers, celebrating their victory. Rocket captures every moment, from the brutal injuries sustained by the rival gang’s members to the triumphant expressions of Lil Dice and his gang.
But as he reviews the photos later, Rocket feels a creeping sense of unease. Yes, Lil Dice and his gang have won this battle, but at what cost? As he looks at the carnage that he has documented, Rocket begins to question whether he should continue to glorify the violence of the slums or whether he should use his photography to shed light on a different story altogether.
Chapter 4: A Daring Heist
Lil Dice had been planning the heist for weeks. He had picked out the wealthy businessman’s mansion, studied the security systems, and gathered his crew. Everything was in place – or so he thought.
Rocket had been tipped off about the robbery by one of Lil Dice’s followers. As he made his way through the slums towards the mansion, he felt a sense of unease. He had seen the aftermath of Lil Dice’s previous heists – the brutal violence, the innocent victims caught in the crossfire. He knew that this could end very badly.
When he arrived at the mansion, he could see the gang in action. They were firing guns, breaking windows, and screaming at the top of their lungs. Rocket watched from a distance, documenting everything with his camera. He felt a strange mixture of fear and excitement – he knew this would make for some incredible photos.
But then, things took a turn for the worse. One of Lil Dice’s men burst into a bedroom where the businessman’s daughter was sleeping. She was young, maybe only ten years old, and she was screaming and crying in terror. Rocket watched in horror as the man grabbed her and dragged her towards the door.
Now, Rocket was faced with a choice. He could stand there and continue photographing this horrific scene, or he could step in and try to help the girl. For a moment, he hesitated, his camera still trained on the unfolding nightmare. But then, something inside him snapped. He couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.
Rocket ran towards the mansion, dodging bullets and jumping over broken glass. He could hear the girl’s screams growing louder as he got closer. When he burst into the bedroom, he saw the man holding her at gunpoint.
“Let her go,” Rocket said, his voice shaking.
The man turned towards him, the girl still held tightly in his grasp. “Who are you?” he spat.
“I’m a photographer,” Rocket said, holding up his camera as if to prove his point.
The man sneered at him. “What are you going to do, take my picture?”
Rocket knew he had to act fast. He lunged towards the man, trying to grab the gun away from him. They struggled for a moment, and then there was a loud gunshot.
For a moment, everything went black. Rocket felt a searing pain in his chest, and he fell to the ground. As he lay there, his vision blurring, he could see the girl’s father rushing into the room, his face twisted in horror.
The last thing Rocket felt before he passed out was a sense of regret. He regretted letting his desire for a good story override his sense of morality. He regretted not being able to do more to help the innocent people caught up in Lil Dice’s web of violence.
When Rocket woke up, he was in a hospital. His chest was wrapped tightly in bandages, and there was a tube sticking out of his arm. He could see Lil Dice’s face in front of him, grinning triumphantly.
“What do you want?” Rocket said, his voice weak.
“I just wanted to thank you,” Lil Dice said. “Your little stunt made the news. It’s going to be great for our reputation.”
Rocket felt a sudden surge of anger. How could this monster be so callous? Didn’t he realize that people had been hurt?
“I hope you rot in jail,” Rocket spat.
Lil Dice just laughed. “We’ll see about that,” he said, and then he was gone.
Rocket lay in his hospital bed for days, trying to come to terms with what had happened. He had always prided himself on being a neutral observer, someone who could capture the truth without getting involved. But now, he realized that he couldn’t just sit on the sidelines anymore. He had to take a stand.
When he was finally released from the hospital, Rocket grabbed his camera and headed back to the slums. He knew there were more stories to be told, more injustices to be exposed. And this time, he was determined to do more than just take pictures. He was going to make a difference.
Chapter 5: The Fall of Lil Dice
The once-feared kingpin of Rio’s slums, Lil Dice, now found himself in a precarious position. As his alliance with the corrupt police officer crumbled, his gang was left vulnerable to attack from their rivals. The situation was further complicated by a traitor within their own ranks, who had struck a deal with an opposing gang.
Lil Dice knew that he had to act fast to prevent his entire empire from crumbling. He called a meeting with all of his top lieutenants, determined to come up with a plan to save his gang and maintain his position of power.
The meeting began with a heated discussion over their next move. Some of his lieutenants advocated for a full-scale attack on their rivals, while others argued that retreating was the best option.
Lil Dice listened intently, weighing each argument carefully. He knew that any decision he made could have dire consequences for his gang, and possible the entire slum area.
Suddenly, a member of his gang burst into the room, panting and out of breath. He had clearly been running for a while, and everyone in the room was on edge, suspecting the worst.
“What’s going on?” Lil Dice demanded, his voice tinged with frustration and anger.
The shaken member explained that the opposing gang, led by a man named Knockout Ned, had launched a surprise attack on their hideout, killing several members of their gang in the process.
Lil Dice was furious. He had been betrayed by his own people and now had to face the consequences. He ordered all his lieutenants to arm themselves and prepare for a retaliation.
As the battle lines were drawn up, Rocket was on the outskirts, his camera in hand. He had been tipped off about the upcoming confrontation and had come to document the final showdown between the two rival gangs.
As the battle erupted, Rocket’s camera caught everything, from the screaming of the wounded to the deafening sound of gunfire echoing through the alleyways. He captured the desperation in Lil Dice’s eyes as he gave orders to his men, knowing this could be his last hurrah.
Despite their best efforts, Lil Dice’s gang was vastly outnumbered and outgunned. Rocket watched as they were slowly picked off one by one, including some of Lil Dice’s most trusted lieutenants.
With his gang in shambles, Lil Dice found himself cornered by Knockout Ned and his men. It was there that the two longtime rivals finally faced off, guns drawn and ready.
The tension in the air was palpable as they faced one another, each knowing that this could be their last stand. Lil Dice’s eyes were wild with fear and desperation as he stared down the barrel of his enemy’s gun.
In the end, it was Knockout Ned who emerged victorious. With one swift pull of the trigger, he took down Lil Dice, ending his reign as the kingpin of Rio’s slums.
Rocket watched in horror as Lil Dice’s body fell to the ground, lifeless. It was a somber and brutal end for a man who had once been on top of the world, a cautionary tale of how quickly power and influence could be lost in the unforgiving environment of the slums.
As Rocket walked away from the scene, his camera still in hand, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that he had just witnessed something truly tragic. The fall of Lil Dice was more than just the end of a criminal empire; it was a stark reminder of the harsh reality of life in the slums and the toll it could take on those who lived there.
Chapter 6: Redemption?
Rocket sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall in front of him. Outside, the sounds of the slums filtered through his window, but he couldn’t bring himself to focus on them. He was too preoccupied with the thoughts swirling around in his head.
The events of the past few months had left him feeling lost and confused. He had always believed that his photography was a way to shed light on the harsh realities of life in the slums, but he began to question whether he was truly making a difference or simply exploiting the suffering of others for his own gain.
And then there was Lil Dice. The ruthless kingpin had played a major role in Rocket’s life, from the time they were kids to the present day. Rocket had documented Lil Dice’s rise to power, his brutal tactics, and his ultimate downfall. But as he reviewed his work, he was filled with a sense of guilt.
Had he contributed to Lil Dice’s downfall by documenting his crimes? Or was he simply using his photographic skills to capture the truth? Rocket had always prided himself on being impartial and objective, but he began to realize that the line between journalism and exploitation was a fine one.
As he sat in his room, lost in thought, Rocket’s phone beeped with a text message.
“Meet me at the prison. I have something to show you.”
It was Lil Dice.
Rocket hesitated for a moment, unsure whether he wanted to confront the man who had caused so much pain and suffering in the slums. But then he remembered the words of his mentor, who had always told him that photography was about capturing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or difficult it may be.
With a deep breath, Rocket made his way to the prison.
As he entered the visitation room, he saw Lil Dice sitting at a table, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.
“You wanted to show me something?” Rocket asked.
Lil Dice nodded and pulled out a worn leather-bound book from under his seat. “This is my diary,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I’ve been writing in it since I was a kid. It’s the only thing that’s kept me sane all these years.”
Rocket was surprised. He had never thought of Lil Dice as someone who would keep a diary, let alone one that chronicled his innermost thoughts and feelings.
Lil Dice flipped through the pages, showing Rocket the entries he had written during his rise to power. They were filled with raw emotion, describing his fears, his doubts, and his overwhelming desire for power and control.
As Rocket read, he began to see Lil Dice in a new light. He wasn’t just a ruthless criminal; he was also a human being with hopes, fears, and dreams. Rocket realized that he had been so focused on capturing the violence and brutality of the slums that he had forgotten about the people who lived there.
As the visitation time came to an end, Lil Dice closed the diary and handed it to Rocket. “Take it,” he said. “Maybe it’ll help you understand.”
Rocket left the prison feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he had a newfound understanding of Lil Dice and the people of the slums. On the other hand, he was still unsure about the role he should play in capturing the truth.
But as he sat down to go through the diary, he realized that photography was not just about capturing the harsh realities of life but also about showing the humanity behind the suffering. And maybe, just maybe, that was the key to redemption for both Lil Dice and himself.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Rocket began to plan his next project. This time, he would focus on the people of the slums, capturing their struggles, their joys, and their humanity. And maybe, just maybe, he could help to break the cycle of violence and poverty that had plagued the slums for so long.
Chapter 7: Confrontation
Rocket sat across from Lil Dice, who was now behind bars, in the small visiting room of the prison. It was a surreal moment for Rocket, who had spent years documenting Lil Dice’s rise and fall as a ruthless kingpin in the slums of Rio.
As they sat in silence, Rocket couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, he was grateful to have been able to capture the brutal reality of life in the slums through his photography. On the other hand, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his work had also contributed to the violence and chaos that had consumed the community.
Lil Dice broke the silence, his voice low and measured. “You know, Rocket, I never thought I’d end up in here. I didn’t start out wanting to be a criminal. It’s just that the slums don’t give you a lot of options.”
Rocket nodded, listening intently as Lil Dice continued. “When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be somebody. I didn’t want to be just another kid in the slums who never amounted to anything. But the only way to do that was to become a criminal. It was the only way to get ahead.”
Rocket felt a pang of sadness as he looked at Lil Dice. It was easy to see how the criminal lifestyle had taken its toll on him. He looked tired, worn down, and defeated.
“But it’s not worth it, is it?” Lil Dice continued. “All the money, all the power…it’s all meaningless in the end. Because now I’m in here, and I’ll be lucky if I ever see the light of day again.”
Rocket thought about what Lil Dice had said. It was true – in the end, all of the power and money had been meaningless. But he also knew that there was more to the story than just that.
“It wasn’t just about the money or the power, was it?” Rocket asked after a moment of silence. “It was about something else. Something deeper.”
Lil Dice looked at him, surprise flickering across his face. “What do you mean?”
Rocket thought back to all the times he had captured Lil Dice on film. He had always been a complicated figure, full of contradictions. On the one hand, he was a ruthless criminal who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. On the other hand, there was something else there – a glimmer of humanity that Rocket couldn’t quite put his finger on.
“You wanted to be somebody,” Rocket said, slowly. “But there was more to it than that. You wanted people to see you. To notice you. To know that you existed.”
Lil Dice was silent for a long moment, his eyes searching Rocket’s face. Finally, he nodded. “You’re right. I wanted people to see me. To know that I was here. That I mattered.”
There was a long pause as the two of them sat in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.
Finally, Lil Dice spoke again, his voice heavy with regret. “But it was all for nothing, wasn’t it? All of the violence and the bloodshed…for what? Nobody’s going to remember me. Nobody’s going to care.”
Rocket looked at him, feeling a sudden sense of sadness. “I’ll remember you,” he said. “And so will a lot of other people. Your story is important, Lil Dice. It’s a story about the slums of Rio, about the people who live there, about the struggles they face every day. It’s a story that needs to be told.”
Lil Dice looked at him, surprise and gratitude mingling on his face. “Do you…do you really think that?”
Rocket nodded firmly. “Yes. And I think you can still make a difference. Even in here. You can tell your story. You can help people understand what it’s like to live in the slums.”
Lil Dice was silent for a long moment, his eyes searching Rocket’s face. Finally, he smiled faintly. “You know, Rocket, I always thought of you as just a photographer. But you’re more than that. You’re…you’re a storyteller.”
Rocket felt a sudden sense of pride, a feeling of being seen and understood. “Thank you,” he said softly.
They sat in silence for a few more minutes before the prison guard came in to end the visit. As Rocket got up to leave, Lil Dice reached out and grabbed his hand.
“Thank you, Rocket,” he said, his voice quiet. “For seeing me. For understanding me. For telling my story.”
Rocket felt a lump form in his throat as he squeezed Lil Dice’s hand in return. “Thank you for sharing it with me,” he said.
As he walked out of the prison, Rocket knew that he had just experienced something powerful. A moment of connection and understanding that had transcended the boundaries of their different worlds. And he knew that it was a moment that he would never forget.
Some scenes from the movie City of God written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Rodrigo “Rocket” de Souza: A struggling photographer trying to capture life in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.
– Li’l Zé: A ruthless drug dealer who seeks control of the slums at any cost.
– Benny: Li’l Zé’s best friend and second-in-command.
Setting: The slums of Rio de Janeiro.
Dialogues:
Rocket (voiceover): “This is my city, the City of God. Home to 60,000 souls, all of them living and dying without ever having known the outside world. It’s a place where the value of life is measured in bullets and hatred flows like a river.”
Li’l Zé: “Whatcha looking at?”
Rocket: “Just taking pictures.”
Li’l Zé: “Get the f*ck outta here, before I shoot ya.”
Rocket (voiceover): “That’s how I met Li’l Zé. At the time, he was just another thug in the slums. But as I would soon discover, he was destined for much more.”
INT. A DARK ALLEY – DAY
Rocket walks through the narrow alley, his camera hanging from his neck. He looks around, admiring the colorful murals on the walls. Suddenly, he hears footsteps coming from behind him. He turns around to see Li’l Zé and Benny standing there, staring at him.
Rocket: (slightly nervous) “Uh, hey, what do you want?”
Li’l Zé: (menacingly) “Whatcha looking at?”
Rocket: “Just taking pictures.”
Li’l Zé: (angrily) “Get the f*ck outta here, before I shoot ya.”
Rocket quickly starts walking away, but Li’l Zé grabs his camera, causing it to fall to the ground and break.
Rocket: (upset) “What the hell, man? That was expensive!”
Li’l Zé: (sarcastically) “Oh, I’m sorry. Here, let me buy you a new one with my drug money.”
Rocket picks up his broken camera and storms off, while Li’l Zé and Benny laugh.
Rocket (voiceover): “That was the beginning of my journey in the City of God. Little did I know that my life would soon become intertwined with that of Li’l Zé, and that I would have a ringside seat to the brutal rise and fall of one of the most infamous drug lords in Rio de Janeiro’s history.”
Scene 2
INT. SLUMS OF RIO – DAY
The camera follows Rocket as he roams around the slums with his camera, clicking pictures of the people and their daily lives. As he moves, he notices a group of kids huddled around a teenager, LIL DICE, who is bragging about his recent run-in with the law.
Rocket takes a photo of Lil Dice, who notices him and approaches. Rocket is tense, but Lil Dice surprises him by asking for a copy of the photo. Rocket hands over a copy and leaves.
EXT. LIL DICE’S HOUSE – DAY
Rocket arrives at Lil Dice’s house, which is a run-down shack with music blasting from within. He hands over the photo and is invited inside. Lil Dice shows Rocket photos of his own, which are violent and graphic, as he talks about his dreams of becoming a kingpin.
Rocket is clearly uncomfortable and tries to leave, but Lil Dice insists on showing him something. He leads him outside and shows him a big stash of drugs, revealing that they are his. Rocket is shocked but intrigued.
INT. LIL DICE’S HOUSE – LATER
Rocket is back inside and Lil Dice is showing him his collection of guns. As they talk, Lil Dice reveals that he wants Rocket to take his picture when he becomes the biggest gangster in the slums.
Rocket is hesitant, but Lil Dice insists, saying that he wants to be famous. Rocket finally agrees and takes Lil Dice’s portrait, which Lil Dice loves.
INT. LIL DICE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
As Lil Dice and his friends party inside the shack, Rocket takes photos of the celebrations. Suddenly, a rival gang arrives and a violent gunfight ensues. Rocket cowers in fear as Lil Dice and his friends defend themselves.
The rival gang is defeated, but Rocket is left horrified by the violence he has just witnessed. Lil Dice, on the other hand, revels in the chaos, and as Rocket looks on, he realizes that their paths are headed in opposite directions.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. RIO DE JANEIRO SLUMS – DAY
Rocket is out taking photographs of the slums when he hears gunshots. He rushes towards the commotion, only to find a new rival gang has emerged, led by a young upstart named Tavo.
Lil Dice and his gang are already in the midst of a gunfight with Tavo’s gang.
LIL DICE
(to his gang members)
We need to stop this uprising before it grows out of control. Take care of them!
One of Lil Dice’s gang members, Ze Pequeno, charges towards Tavo’s gang, guns blazing. Lil Dice grabs Rocket, who is documenting the scene, and pulls him towards safety.
LIL DICE
(whispering to Rocket)
You don’t want to be here when the shooting stops. Come with me.
Rocket hesitates, his camera shaking. Lil Dice grabs the camera and sets it to record.
LIL DICE (CONT’D)
(to Rocket)
This is the real Rio. This is what people need to see.
Rocket nods, transfixed by what he is seeing.
The fighting intensifies, with both sides taking heavy casualties. Suddenly, a police siren can be heard in the distance.
LIL DICE
(to his gang members)
The cops are coming. Let’s get out of here!
Lil Dice and his gang make a hasty retreat, with Rocket trailing behind them, documenting everything.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. WEALTHY BUSINESSMAN’S MANSION – NIGHT
Lil Dice, accompanied by his gang, breaks into the mansion with the aim of robbing the wealthy businessman. They quickly discover that the businessman’s daughter, ANA, is home alone.
Lil Dice approaches Ana, holding a gun to her head.
LIL DICE: (to Ana) Don’t move.
ANA: (terrified) Please, don’t hurt me.
LIL DICE: (smirking) Don’t worry, sweetheart, we’re professionals. Just tell us where the safe is and we’ll be out of your hair in no time.
Meanwhile, Rocket hides behind a pillar, taking pictures of the unfolding situation.
ROCKET: (to himself, taking photos) This is insane. I shouldn’t be here. But I can’t stop taking pictures.
As Lil Dice and his men loot the mansion, Ana tries to make a run for it. She manages to grab a phone and runs to a nearby room, locking the door behind her. Lil Dice follows, determined to get his hands on the safe.
LIL DICE: (banging on the door) Open up, little girl!
ANA: (sobbing) Please, I don’t know the combination.
After several attempts to break the door down, Lil Dice finally gives up and turns to leave. But as he does, Ana jumps out of the window, screaming for help.
LIL DICE: (laughs) Oh, this just got interesting.
Lil Dice and his gang give chase, but Rocket manages to snap a picture of Ana escaping.
As Ana runs for her life, Lil Dice and his gang get closer and closer. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, the sound of police sirens can be heard in the distance.
Lil Dice and his gang scatter, leaving Ana behind. Rocket comes out of hiding and rushes to Ana’s aid.
ROCKET: (helping Ana up) Are you okay?
ANA: (gasping for air) Yes, thank you. Thank you so much.
As the police arrive on the scene, Rocket takes one last picture of Lil Dice and his gang disappearing into the night.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. RIO DE JANEIRO SLUMS – DAY
Lil Dice and his gang are on high alert, guns at the ready. Rocket watches from a distance, camera in hand. Suddenly, a rival gang emerges from around the corner, guns blazing. Chaos ensues.
LIL DICE:
Take cover! We need to protect the territory!
The gang members scatter, taking cover behind whatever they can find. Lil Dice takes out a rival gang member with a well-aimed shot.
ROCKET (voiceover):
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The violence was out of control.
Another rival gang member approaches Lil Dice, gun pointed at his head. Lil Dice stares down the barrel of the gun, unflinching. Suddenly, Lil Dice’s former right-hand man comes to his rescue, taking out the rival gang member with a bullet to the head.
LIL DICE:
(to his former right-hand man)
What are you doing here?
RIGHT-HAND MAN:
I came to set things right. We need to squash this beef and focus on what’s important.
Lil Dice nods, realizing the truth in his former right-hand man’s words. The two begin to rally the remaining gang members, devising a plan to take out the rival gang once and for all.
FADE OUT.
