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Poster for The Given Word

The Given Word

Seen it?

1962 | 98 min | Drama

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With almost no lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Portuguese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1962: an older pace and style.

Zé is a very poor man whose most prized possession is his donkey. When his donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to Saint Bárbara: If his donkey recovers, he will carry a cross - like Jesus - all the way from his city to Saint Bárbara's church, in the state capital. Upon the recovery of his donkey, Zé leaves on his journey. He makes it to the church, but the priest refuses to accept the cross once he discovers the context of Zé's promise.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesSolid

    8.1 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Cannes award: Palme d'Or. Also nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 8K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Anselmo Duarte

  • Leonardo VillarZé do Burro
  • Glória MenezesRosa
  • Dionísio AzevedoPadre Olavo
  • Geraldo del ReyBonitão
  • Roberto FerreiraDedé
  • Othon BastosReporter
  • Antônio PitangaMestre Coca
  • Gilberto MarquesGalego
  • Norma BengellMarly
  • Jurema PennaZealot