Genre: Drama

Directed by Nelson Pereira dos Santos

Screenplay: Nelson Pereira dos Santos

Cast: Maria Ribeiro, Orlando Macedo, Gilvan Lima, Genivaldo Lima

Year: 1963

Length: 94 min

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In the original version with Czech subtitles

! This film doesn't have ENG sub

BARREN LIVES

Vidas Secas (1963) is a landmark of Brazilian cinema, deeply addressing themes of poverty and oppression in northeastern Brazil. Director Nelson Pereira dos Santos adapted Graciliano Ramos' novel of the same name to bring to the screen the story of a nomadic family struggling with extreme poverty and drought. The film follows their desperate fight for survival in a harsh landscape where they are constantly in search of water, food, and work. Vidas Secas not only depicts the harsh life in the arid sertão but also explores human resilience and determination. This masterpiece is considered one of the most important contributions to Brazilian neorealism.

Curiosity: did you know that this movie is based on the book with the same name – one of the most important books in the Brazilian literature - by Brazilian writer Graciliano Ramos, won the prestigious prize by William Faulkner Foundation in 1962, considered to be a ‘distinguished Brazilian contemporary literature’ work of art.