From a psychological standpoint, exposure to violent media like City of God can affect viewers in measurable ways. Studies have shown that watching realistic violence can increase short‑term aggression, heighten anxiety, and alter perceptions of personal safety. However, the same exposure can also foster empathy when the violence is framed within a broader social context, as the film does by linking crime to poverty and lack of opportunity. Researchers note that the film’s documentary‑style cinematography and use of a sympathetic narrator (Rocket) help viewers process the violence not as gratuitous spectacle but as a symptom of systemic issues. This nuance may mitigate some of the harmful effects typically associated with violent media, turning the viewing experience into a catalyst for reflection rather than mere arousal.