Original subtitles

Please, let me go.

Let me go, please.

Take your hands off me, scum!

Hands off me!

Damn you!

Help!

Don't move.

If you need two soldiers to be a man,

if you need to use force to lie with a woman,

go ahead and get it over with and let me go.

I'm not afraid of you, I feel sorry for you.

Feel sorry?

The plan was to use you and then leave,

but you challenged me.

And I like a challenge.

Put her in the carriage.

You'll find I'm man good enough

to make a woman beg to lie with me.

No!

What a nice challenge I've come up with.

Are you in a bad mood?

I apologize to you

for stopping so many times along the way.

But I had work to do.

Besides, five days on the road can take its toll on anyone.

You wouldn't be so tired if you hadn't tried to escape so many times.

But it was kind of funny.

What the heck is this?

Sodomy. Libertinage.

Witchcraft with the witches from the river.

And the church is trying to take them away from Paracatu.

Ask forgiveness for your sins,

or you'll burn on earth and in hell alongside Satan.

I don't want people to see you like this. Come.

Only fire can appease the demons

that dwell in the body of this man posing as a woman.

Burn in hell!

Don't you repent?

Then the fire will be your only salvation.

Burn in hell, scum!

Who is this wretch?

If you burn her, you'll have to burn me too.

MADAM BEJA

Don't you think you've gone too far?

-They were going to set a woman on fire. -He's not a woman!

He's a Magistrate's Office cook who insists on dressing up as a woman.

Only God has the right to take someone's life.

Father Melo Franco is God's representative in Paracatu.

And he punishes heretics like in the past.

Burning someone for the clothes they wear?

That's not God's doing!

Neither is this fella crying on you shoulder. And he's harming me.

If you are as powerful as you say, you can annul the punishment.

The priest doesn't mess with my business and I don't mess with his.

I have no intention of getting into trouble with the Church.

And for me?

Isn't it worth the fuss?

Besides, if I have to stay here, I'll need a lady's companion.

Beja, you can pick anyone as a lady.

Why this guy? An invert condemned by the priest?

Or she stays

or you can burn me as well.

If that's the case, as of today...

Severo is your lady.

Please.

Won't you thank me?

-You still haven't told me your name. -Severina, madam.

-Don't call me "madam". -How can I not?

I owe you my life.

Thank you.

No, thank you.

At least I'm not alone in this hellhole.

At least it's a luxurious hell.

The Magistrate gave you so many dresses.

Don't you like them? You chose the simplest one.

I don't want anything from that monster.

I'm glad to have you here.

I'm not alone anymore.

I'm sorry for your pain. Your pain touched mine too.

-Did the Magistrate use you? -No.

Never. He would have died first.

I don't know if I did the right thing,

but at least I protected my honor.

But I was kidnapped.

-He could have killed you. -But he did.

He killed my grandfather.

My grandfather tried to protect me and...

My grandfather tried to protect me and he killed my grandfather.

He killed my grandfather.

He killed my grandfather.

Poor man. Hardly anyone at the wake.

-Has Valdo heard anything? -They searched the whole village.

-Not a single trace of Beja. -Did they kill her too, dad?

Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Don't even say that, Angélica!

Is she dead?

I'm sure she's not, Father.

That's what I got out of Costa Pinto: Beja is alive.

-How did your husband know? -A witness saw her in the square.

At night. With two men.

I saw Beja being dragged away. I tried to help,

but they hit me right here. Look, there's a wound here.

Your honor, Mr. Bartholomew,

do you think we can trust the word of a drunk?

Honorato, do you think you'd be able to recognize these two guys?

I didn't see his face because it was dark.

And with a lot of cachaça in his head.

But I could tell they were two soldiers by their uniforms.

-They seemed like royal guards. -Royal guards?

Are you sure?

Absolute certainty. Beja left Araxá with men from the Magistrate's guard.

That sly woman showed her true colors when someone more important appeared.

No, Maria.

Are you thinking that Beja and the Magistrate...?

She fell in love with the Magistrate.

Everyone saw how she threw herself into his arms.

She may have been taken by force.

She was escorted to Paracatu with pomp, that whore.

Jesus, Maria! They killed her grandfather.

It was all planned. She got rid of the old cripple.

And she found a powerful man to lean on.

Poor Antônio.

They must already be taking the body away.

Beja has been kidnapped.

And Mr. Alves was murdered.

Well then, two crimes that won't be investigated as they should.

Easy, Josefa.

We have to wait for Judge Bartholomew to resolve it.

Do you think an old and tired judge like him,

is going to pick a fight with the Magistrate?

He'll keep everything under wraps.

Well...

But I can't go over the judge's head.

You can't. But the governor can.

Do you really think the governor will pay any attention to us?

We have to do something, Zé.

Otherwise the bad tongues in this village

will make Beja the culprit.

But how?

We are free.

We have home and money.

And yet, many people would give anything to see us in a slave quarters.

These people are prejudiced.

They'll never accept us. Just like they'll never accept Beja.

Imagine that, she's a girl who has no father.

And daughter of a suicidal mother.

They'll skin her alive.

You're right, Zefa.

Let's send a letter denouncing the case to the Governor.

-Are you sure you heard well, Maria? -Yes, dad.

Beja was seen leaving with the Magistrate's men.

-In the middle of the night. -Augusta confirmed it.

She heard it from her husband.

This possibility is absurd.

Everyone saw how Beja insinuated herself to the Magistrate at the ball.

-Right, Angélica? -Yeah.

She danced to three songs with the Magistrate.

Yes, she danced.

Well, maybe this story isn't so absurd after all.

Because if Beja, who doesn't even have a dowry, can be supported

by a King's friend, why would she stay with Antônio?

I know women who didn't have a dowry, but they didn't lose respect.

Let's be careful, right?

These are very serious accusations. We'd better be sure.

I don't know how to inform of Beja's disappearance to Antônio.

He has arrived at the capital.

Can a friend sit there?

João? João!

It's been a long time, my friend.

-I thought you wouldn't recognize me. -With a smile like that?

Impossible. How long has it been since you arrived from Coimbra?

I mean, can you sit down for a while?

Of course I can.

It's been a while. I'm even working.

But it's not so simple, you know.

One day, the color of our skin won't be a reason to fight.

The speech is ready. Did you bring it from England?

This idea that the economy will collapse with the end of slavery.

That's pure bullshit. I've seen it up close.

-Development only accelerates. -Are you going to be a candidate?

For now, all I can think about is going home.

And to Beja.

Beja?

Do you know how to get to the Mule Fountain?

-Follow me. -You know what?

I'm going home. I should be studying.

Okay. Come on, João.

-Isn't it too far? -No, it's nearby.

Wait, I'm going too.

So she left me for an unattractive boy?

Don't say "boy", I'm already a grown man.

Respect me, lad.

Near Beja, my friend, no one stops being a boy.

I've never seen a prettier woman than you.

Severina, look how beautiful you are. Look in the mirror.

Look how beautiful you are.

No one else sees me like that.

But you are the one who has to see it.

Isn't that what matters?

It would be...

If I didn't have to prove to every person I meet, that I am who I am.

My life isn't like yours.

If you only knew how many loves I've had to drown with tears.

-Have you also left a love behind? -Antônio.

He's my fiancé.

We're going to get married when I get out of here.

This is Antônio Sampaio.

A friend since I was a child.

And this is Avelino Montes, a friend of mine

and a lawyer from Desemboque.

By the way, his family was also freed by your grandmother.

-Great. -Are you Grandma Lueji's grandson?

-Yes. -What an honor.

Sit down.

I'm taking part in a group that buys freedom for our captive people.

Your grandmother has always been an inspiration to me.

While you tell him everything,

I'm going to the counter to get a candy. I'll be right back.

What's that?

Two negros sitting down.

What are you doing here? What farm did you run away from?

Hold on. We're both lawyers and free.

We're wearing shoes, don't you see?

We know the law and you have no right to approach us like that.

Look at that. Liberal ideas.

Negros, subversives and they still demand respect?

We are not in Haiti.

We'll take them both.

Don't you want to try on a dress? The Magistrate gave you so many.

Take one if you want.

Wouldn't you be annoyed seeing me wearing one of them?

By my side you can be who you are.

Always.

What are you waiting for, Beja? Supper has already been served.

I'm not hungry.

What more do you want?

I gave you dresses and shoes. Look at the luxury of this room.

Even a servant...

I've given you a lady's companion.

I've done everything, but nothing makes you happy.

Do you really want to see me happy?

Give me my life back.

If you don't want to eat, you can starve to death.

I hope you die! You bastard!

You've left the room, after all.

I only came, because that scumbag left.

And I need energy to run away when my fiancé comes.

You won't be free so easily.

You've never seen me with Antônio.

We can do anything together.

We've already spent one night here.

You've seen our certificates.

So I demand that you open this cell immediately.

-Calm down. -Negros don't demand anything here.

If you don't tell me from which farm you ran away,

I'll sell you to the highest bidder.

Take off those white people clothes.

You'll regret it.

You're coming too.

-Hurry up, negro! -Let's go!

I've already told you, I don't want it!

The Magistrate wants to buy you.

Then someone tell him I'm not for sale.

These earrings cost me a fortune!

And they'll probably end up in that guy's ears.

He's already wearing one of the dresses, can you believe it?

Oh, my God!

Why Beja rejects me so much?

Beja is beautiful, sir. But she's wild.

She needs to be tamed.

Nothing pleases me more than a mare to tame.

I'm great at it.

-You ogre! -You're pushing my patience.

If I want to, I'll end your tricks right now.

And you'll have my body, not my soul.

Is that what you want? An inert body?

Then go.

Help yourself and let me go.

No, Beja.

You'll stay here for as long as it takes.

Until you treat me the way I deserve.

Foolishness.

My fiancé is coming to pick me up. And I'm getting out of here.

And you'll have to explain yourself to the authorities.

Do you really think you still have a fiancé?

Of course.

Antônio loves me.

And will he still love you? When he realizes you're here, with me?

But I still keep my purity for him.

Your purity doesn't mean anything anymore.

Even with petals, no man wants a rose that's already been picked.

It's not even good for wiping an ass.

Maledictions, uncle. Better not even read it.

Don't pour oil on troubled waters. Everyone's talking about it.

-Can you tell me what's written here? -Calm down.

If God didn't want a woman to be able to read, it's because...

Dear God.

Isn't that what a newspaper does? Give news?

It's okay to make headlines, but don't make a fuss about it.

And with an employee of the King? Are you crazy?

What's written there, man? For God's sake.

Beja is living with Mota. In Paracatu.

As a mistress!

-Mother of God. -Good Lord.

What do we do now, Paulo?

-With regard to Beja? -With regard to our son.

Antônio can't marry a girl with a tarnished reputation.

You're right, Ceci.

Even if she returns to Araxá, her name is already in the mud.

I can't let the same happen to our son's name.

Antônio won't marry Beja.

Beja never fooled me.

But Colonel Sampaio insisted, and this happened.

His son is engaged to a whore.

The perfect wife for Antônio is our Carminha.

Don't you agree, Costa Pinto?

-How awful. -What is it?

Don't you think Carminha is worthy of Antônio?

Who is Antônio?

I'm talking about it. I don't know if it's a moss or a slug.

The only slug here is you. Didn't you hear anything?

I heard.

And I agreed.

-Then talk with the Colonel. -Okay.

What about exactly?

Antônio will be free as a bird.

And we need to marry Carminha.

Fine, but did it have to be the half-breed?

We can't afford to choose.

Carminha needs to get married. Now.

Sorry to keep you waiting, uncle.

I'm taking work home. I need to get back with your carriage.

A customer turned up at the apothecary.

Close this dump down for good.

Where have you ever seen a man work with plants?

I learned it from my father.

Your father did nothing but screw up.

Will Aunt Genoveva be long?

Genoveva? She has a lot of forgiveness to ask for.

Dry as she is, unable to give me a child.

I'm left with you.

Close that apothecary and come work with me.

-Uncle Felizardo, I... -Yes, you'll learn to work with cattle.

Finally.

I was hoping this confession would turn into last rites.

Shall we go home, uncle?

Do you allow me to help out at the church stall, my dear husband?

It was the priest's request. To repair the bell.

-It's charity. -Charity?

And who will dust the furniture in my house?

Go, go. You've been away from the farm long enough.

Go. Go.

We have cassava dumpling. Who wants one?

I made it myself.

FOR THE CHURCH BELL REPAIR

-Mrs. Isaltina has already paid. -Give her the pumpkin jam.

-You can take it. -She prefers jams.

Would you like a cassava dumpling?

I made it myself. It's for the repair of the church bell.

Who wants a dumpling?

If her cooking skills are anything to go by,

our daughter will never get married.

-Oh, God, give me patience. -Who wants one?

-I made it myself. -Give me a miracle, instead.

Grandpa, why did the king kill all his wives

before marrying Scheherazade?

To not be betrayed.

A woman's most precious possession is purity, my child.

Bitch!

Who would eat an apple that's already been bitten?

You're going to the tavern.

Dinner time.

Bon appetit, doctors.

What do you think we are? Animals?

Get hungry, then.

Will it never change here?

Antônio, listen to Grandma.

As long as there is one black captive, none of us will be free.

Don't forget. Everyone deserves to be free.

Everyone.

I myself will fight to end this discrimination.

As long as there is life, there will be struggle!

Do you hear me?

Do you hear me? Wretched people!

Damn the British.

Putting pressure on the African trade is not enough?

Why do they want gold too? My gold!

But if not even the Crown knows that,

it won't be the British who will stop you from getting your share.

Quiet, or I'll bleed you.

-Calm down. -I should kill you in my grandpa's name.

But I want to get out of here. Get out!

-Careful. -Move.

-Slow down, Beja. Slow down. -He's the King's Magistrate.

Then tell him to listen to me, because I'm out of patience!

What are you doing, Beja?

Returning home.

Open the door!

No! Let me go!

-Grab her. -Take her inside.

Come on, let's go.

The palace is surrounded.

There are royal guards everywhere.

By now Antônio has already returned from his trip.

Honorato must have told him everything and I don't know what he'll think.

I need to talk to Antônio.

I need to...

What a good merchandise.

I'll hand you over to the new buyer today.

Major, these two demanded to speak to you.

As the lawyer for Antônio Sampaio and Avelino Montes,

I demand their immediate release.

In whose name?

I'm Francisco Gê Acaiaba de Montezuma.

A lawyer graduated in Coimbra.

And I'm recommended by Dom Pedro.

Take off those chains now.

No one deserves to be chained.

Dr. Montezuma, I can't thank you enough.

Don't mention it. I just did my job.

It's unfortunate that it still has to be legitimized by a white.

That's true. But if it hadn't been for Dom Pedro's letter...

When one of us is in power, everything will be different.

But we still have a long way to go.

Thank you, doctor.

I'd invite you to dinner to thank you, but I need to get back to Araxá soon.

I haven't seen my fiancée for two years.

Go on, man. You don't keep a woman waiting too long.

More lies about Beja.

This Botelhinho is execrable.

He must think the same about you.

You're the only educated woman here in Araxá.

What happened? What's wrong?

The Governor replied.

There's no one to investigate Beja's case at the moment.

-That's what they claim. -How absurd!

When you become a judge, things will change a lot around here.

The day I become a judge,

it will be too late to do anything for her.

-Dear son. -Mom.

I missed you.

Dad.

Maria, Angélica.

Girls, how you've grown.

And Beja? Didn't she come?

-Antônio, we need to talk. -Of course, dad.

But first I'd like to see my fiancée. I'll go to Beja's house and I'll...

No, son. We...

Your fiancée has gone to Paracatu.

She's the newest mistress of the Magistrate.

They say your fiancée killed her grandfather and ran off.

I need to get out of here.

It's been too long.

I can't stand this hell anymore.

Good morning.

Aren't you waiting for me to eat?

Good morning, sir.

Severina, pass me the milk, please?

Are you going to keep ignoring me?

Haven't you had enough yet?

This cheese is delicious. But that's enough for today.

Come, Severina.

From the spectacle she made,

it was clear that she was going to be a tough nut to crack.

Please, my friend, forgive Beja for the mess the other day.

She wasn't educated like the other girls.

At least now she's out of the room.

But she walks around the house pretending I don't exist.

It makes me feel diminished, Father. A piece of shit.

We can't let go. Or they'll make our lives a living hell.

But in bed, they can take us to paradise.

Holy shit.

That's true. They force me to sin even in my cassock.

They've profaned my chastity, those damned.

They are demons. And Beja is the worst of them all.

But tell me, Father, how do I tame this woman?

I'll help you.

-Your blessing. -God.

She doesn't even look like the wild girl I met in the square.

Now I see how beautiful you are.

And I understand the Magistrate's distress.

My child,

it would cost you so little to make your master happy.

With all due respect, Father.

I don't give a shit about Magistrate's happiness.

Beja, you need to understand, a man is not like a woman.

He has needs that have to be met.

And to be honest, you've already pushed his patience.

-It's time to give in. -No way.

I'm going back to my fiancé and tell him everything...

Don't you see?

You don't give an orange back to the tree.

No one will believe that you didn't lie with Mota.

-I just need to get back to Araxá. -You would arrive dishonored.

A woman with no virtue and no family has only two destinations:

the brothel or the convent.

You're nothing without the Magistrate.

You don't know me.

You don't know what I'm capable of.

Gracia, this is Beja, the one I told you about.

May every man, who tries to control me,

who tries to destroy me...

May that man find his own destruction.