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Drama thriller

City of Dreams (2024): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

City of Dreams (2024) movie poster

City of Dreams is a 2024 drama thriller directed by Mohit Ramchandani, starring Alfredo Castro as El Jefe, Jason Patric and Dominic Pace. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $1.7 million worldwide. Critics gave it 14 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
worldwide gross
$1.7M
Echo Score
73
Metascore
14
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City of Dreams (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
Studio
P2 Films
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is City of Dreams About?

The premise of City of Dreams without spoilers.

A young Mexican boy's dreams are crushed when he is trafficked across the border and forced into labor in Los Angeles' fast fashion industry. Caught in a world of exploitation, Jesús struggles to survive and confronts the realities of modern-day slavery.

City of Dreams Themes & Keywords

· 4 tags
  • soccer
  • teenager
  • female nudity
  • female rear nudity
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Cast & crew

City of Dreams Cast & Characters

Alfredo Castro leads the cast as El Jefe, with Jason Patric as Stevens and Dominic Pace as Officer Murrow. Directed by Mohit Ramchandani; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in City of Dreams

· 16 more
Ratings

City of Dreams Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave City of Dreams 14 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (55).

73 /100

City of Dreams Echo Score Breakdown

City of Dreams presents a stark portrait of modern human trafficking, balancing earnest intent with uneven execution. Critics commend its craftsmanship and a compelling third‑act chase, yet fault the screenplay for reliance on stock archetypes and lack of resolution. Audience responses are overwhelmingly affirmative, highlighting emotional resonance and visual clarity. The resulting mix yields a film that, while powerful in moments, struggles to sustain narrative cohesion throughout.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and visual execution, the film is frequently praised for its polished craftsmanship. Critics note a well‑crafted aesthetic and a striking chase sequence, while users describe the cinematography as beautiful and immersive. Some reviewers point to heavy or exaggerated settings, suggesting a darker visual tone. Overall, the technical artistry is regarded as a strong component of the work.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character development, the consensus is largely positive. Critics label the lead performance as a masterclass and commend the sympathetic protagonist, and audience members emphasize heartfelt acting and emotional impact. Few comments address character depth negatively, and the majority highlight nuanced performances that engage viewers. Consequently, the character dimension is viewed as a standout strength.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding narrative structure, opinions diverge sharply. Critics describe the plot as static, laden with clichéd archetypes, and lacking substantive answers, assigning low marks to its screenplay. Conversely, some reviewers commend the third‑act chase for revitalizing the story and audience comments applaud its eye‑opening message. This mixture of praise for thematic relevance and criticism of execution results in a middling story rating.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    The sensory experience receives mixed feedback. Reviewers acknowledge the film’s strong visual style, noting dark and heavy cinematography that can enhance mood, while some find the aesthetic overly exaggerated. Users frequently praise the visual clarity and overall atmosphere, though specific comments on sound design are scarce. The combination of praised visuals and occasional stylistic criticism yields a moderate sensory rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    Rewatch potential is generally viewed favorably. Critics do not directly address repeat viewings, but audience members repeatedly label the film as must‑see, emotionally resonant, and important for raising awareness, suggesting high replay value. The emotional impact and advocacy message encourage viewers to return, despite the film’s flaws. This positive reception translates into a strong rewatch factor rating.

Box office

City of Dreams Box Office

City of Dreams grossed $1.7 million worldwide.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.7M

US & Canada
$1.7M
Videos

City of Dreams Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 2 trailers and 3 featurettes.

Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Ambassador Trailer
  • Featurette Ambassador of Love | Tony Robbins
  • Featurette Official Music Video | Luis Fonsi
  • Featurette 'City of Dreams' with Renata Vaca, Ari Lopez, Mohit Ramchandani & more | Academy Conversations

Seen City of Dreams?

FAQ

City of Dreams FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of City of Dreams, each answered in a sentence.

How long is City of Dreams?

City of Dreams runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was City of Dreams released?

City of Dreams was released on August 30, 2024.

Who directed City of Dreams?

City of Dreams was directed by Mohit Ramchandani.

Who is in the cast of City of Dreams?

City of Dreams stars Alfredo Castro as El Jefe, Jason Patric as Stevens and Dominic Pace as Officer Murrow, among 20 credited actors.

How much did City of Dreams make at the box office?

City of Dreams grossed $1.7 million worldwide.

How is City of Dreams rated?

City of Dreams has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 14 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.

Does City of Dreams have a post-credit scene?

No. City of Dreams has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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