Watch Ciudad Prohibida

Ciudad Prohibida is a thrilling Brazilian crime drama series that delves deep into the underbelly of Rio de Janeiro, the city that’s known for its bright lights and glamour, but also, for its dark secrets and sinister activities. With Regiane Alves and Aílton Graça in the lead roles, the show uncovers the various layers of corruption, power struggles, and betrayals that plague the city - leaving behind a trail of blood and chaos.

Regiane Alves plays the role of Carolina Carvalho, a determined police officer who is often conflicted between her duty as a law enforcer and her obligations towards her family. Despite the constant threats to her life and the corrupt practices that she has to encounter on a daily basis, Carolina is unwavering in her commitment to serving justice and keeping the city safe from harm. Her character is strong, resilient, and often serves as the moral compass of the show.

Aílton Graça, on the other hand, plays the character of Luiz Eduardo, known as ‘Lulu’ - a notorious drug lord who runs the streets of Rio. Despite his criminal background and the atrocities that he has committed, Lulu is not portrayed as a one-dimensional villain - instead, his character is nuanced, complex, and at times, even sympathetic. He has a deep sense of loyalty towards the people in his circle and will do whatever it takes to protect them from harm.

The show focuses on the tension-filled relationship between Carolina and Lulu, as they constantly find themselves on opposite sides of the law. They share a mutual respect for each other's skills and intelligence, and there are moments of genuine empathy and understanding that arise between them. However, their fundamental ideologies and priorities clash, leading to high stakes confrontations and life-threatening situations.

The supporting cast of Ciudad Prohibida includes a diverse range of characters, all of whom are integral to the storyline. There’s the corrupt police officer Jorge (played by Bruno Padilha), the cunning journalist Marcia (played by Carla Ribas), and Lulu's closest ally, the fiercely loyal Junior (played by Rafael Zulu), among others. Each of these characters adds depth and layers to the narrative, making the show a compelling watch from start to finish.

But perhaps one of the most striking aspects of Ciudad Prohibida is its gritty and visceral portrayal of Rio de Janeiro. The show takes us through the seedy alleys, the rundown neighborhoods, and the labyrinthine favelas of the city - providing an unflinching look at the harsh realities of life for its inhabitants. The violence, poverty, and desperation that pervade the city are depicted with unapologetic honesty, making the show a gritty but important commentary on the social inequalities that exist in Brazil.

Overall, Ciudad Prohibida is a gripping and intense crime drama that doesn't hold back in its depiction of the harsh realities of life in Rio de Janeiro. With strong performances from its lead actors, a well-crafted script, and a unique perspective on the city, the show is definitely one to watch for fans of the genre.

Ciudad Prohibida is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on January 1, 2017.