João en het mes

Summary

The first feature by documentarist George Sluizer is a suspense story blending racial overtones and strong dramatic action.

Filmed in the heartland of Brazil, it conveys much of the prejudiced social position and the subservient role of women in the isolated groups of that immense country. The cast is exclusively made up of Brazilian actors. Joffre Soares plays João, an older cowherd and hunter who marries Maria, a young, shy and beautiful girl, who because of her marriage vows, is condemned to remain with João even though they are unable to conceive children.

To make up for their childlessness, João goes into the ‘green hell’ of the Amazon jungle to seek a fortune, but when he returns a few years later, he finds Maria with a child whom she denies is hers but holds an uncanny resemblance to her. Just how João will deal with this remains a question until the surprising conclusion of this film.