What is the importance of narrative in creating meaning in the films you have studied?

The narrative in both films I have studied are circular narrative an both begin the film near the 'end', City of God in a literal, stylised sense, whereas La Haine starts at the end in a metaphorical sense with Said staring at the policemen who have just shot his friend witch then ironically happens at the end with Vinz.
The use of the circular narrative in La Haine attempts to comment on the 'Cycle of Violence' image that is created through the repetition of these events. This manages to create a sense of frustration for the audience through the lack  justice and closure for these characters who we have watched through an insight into their lives. It presents the film as more of a snapshot into their daily lives rather than a 'one off' event.
The circular narrative in City of God is used to also show that cycle of crime and violence but how it can be passed down through generations and presents characters like l'il Ze as products f their environments.