: The film highlights the unique blend of Catholicism and African traditions in Brazilian culture, and the friction that occurs when institutional religion tries to "purify" folk faith.
: At its heart, it is the story of a simple man’s unwavering integrity being crushed by the wheels of society, the press, and the church. Why It Still Matters Today O.Pagador.de.Promessas.AKA.The.Given.Word.1962....
The film's exploration of "fake news" (represented by the sensationalist journalists) and the dangers of religious extremism feels remarkably contemporary. Anselmo Duarte’s direction, combined with the powerful performance of Leonardo Villar as Zé, ensures that The Given Word remains a masterpiece of empathy and social commentary. : The film highlights the unique blend of
: In 1962, the film beat out legendary directors like Michelangelo Antonioni and Luis Buñuel to take the top prize at Cannes. When his beloved donkey falls terminally ill, Zé
The story follows Zé do Burro, a humble farmer from the Brazilian Northeast. When his beloved donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to a Saint: if the animal recovers, Zé will carry a heavy wooden cross on his back from his lands all the way to the Church of Saint Barbara in Salvador, Bahia.
