Original subtitles

"My dear Beja,

I know you're waiting, but tonight it won't be possible.

Familial matters prevent me from coming to you.

I hope you understand."

"We agreed it would be this way until after elections. Be at ease.

You have my understanding.

Signed, Beja."

-To Antônio Sampaio! -Cheers!

My son.

MADAM BEJA

That's how I like it! A full house!

And Antônio, in the middle of it all!

Freedom

or death! Long live Dom Pedro!

And long live the independence of Brazil!

The drink goes in, the water goes out. Excuse me, gentlemen.

Long live Brazil.

At least today, we agree on something.

As long as monarchy stands, we'll agree on nothing.

I want the freedom of captives. I want them to prosper!

But for that, Brazil must be truly free!

I want the same for the captives.

I just don't believe in your way of getting it done.

Nor I, yours.

But it's fine. That's a fight we'll settle with the votes.

I wanted to thank you.

For your discretion, regarding Beja and I.

You knew it would have troubled me during elections.

Antônio,

I'd never stoop to cheap tricks to steal someone's votes.

The elections must be fair.

What's more, I'd never put Beja in such a position.

Neither would I keep her waiting.

May the best man win.

João didn't even say goodbye.

He must be hurt.

But he is very grateful

for the political support you gave to him.

I hope he's elected.

Stop gawking at perdition, Antônio!

I want nothing but distance from her.

So he finally forgot that harlot.

Well,

what man could bear to see his woman pregnant by another man?

Mother! Come quickly!

Costa Pinto!

Are you alright, honey?

Good God!

-What's all this water? -Relax, Carminha!

-Our angel has decided to come early! -It's too soon!

-My God, what do I do? -Stop talking!

Breathe!

-Where's the midwife? -No one knows where she is.

I don't want to die!

You won't die, my love! I'm here! You'll make it, you'll see!

-What do we do now? -We improvise!

I'll go get some clean rags and some warm water!

-And you! Do something! Move! -Yes!

No! Not that!

No? I don't know! I've never done this!

I'll help! Just spill it! Come on!

You go get the clean rags and warm water!

-But first, wash your hands! -Alright! Yes!

-And come back quickly so... -Alright, alright!

Is this how you want it? Red?

You said you wouldn't ask anything.

Alright.

But promise me you'll continue to teach me about herbs.

I just find this profession so beautiful.

Alright, alright.

I promise.

But you'd better go for now. I have much work.

And my kiss?

As thanks for the handkerchief.

That's a new trick.

We use the weapons we have.

Until we have a substitute for the priest,

we can't baptize Vicente.

That's why we must pray for him quickly.

We must pray every day so that God doesn't forget to yield him protection.

-I need to speak with you. -Not now. I'm praying.

What I have to say may not interest the Count,

but now, Honorato?

Or better yet, Inácio Guimarães da Cunha,

he'll be interested in that more than prayer.

Now, I understand, how a bum could be so cultured,

but every criminal leaves traces.

Isn't that so, Inácio?

So you took my letters!

They were a real bore to read, but now, I at least know your parents' names.

Manoel and Luísa.

There were many couples named that way in Vila Rica,

the problem is none of them had a son called "Honorato."

What do you want?

But, as I'm a lucky man,

a long time local gave me the key to all this.

Honorato is the father's name, not the son's!

Meaning...

It's so touching! You paid tribute to your grandfather!

You stole his name to run away!

-It's not so simple. -Of course! I'm not saying it is!

Actually, I think it's frightening!

Now, what did this Diogo Carneiro do to you, God rest his soul,

for you to murder him?

-Why do you care? What do you want? -Money.

Now, look, I can be your friend, and keep your secret,

or I can be your worst enemy.

I can make your life hell, and turn you in to the police.

It's all up to you!

-You know I don't have money. -I know, but your parents do.

They spent all their savings on a lawyer to represent me!

Inácio, we all have problems.

I need money, and you need to find money to keep my mouth shut.

It's a shame.

It's quite a shame.

I can't help you.

Are you sure?

Then you should tell the Count to say goodbye to his wife and child.

Because Inácio will pay for the crime he committed.

Who's Inácio?

A mutual friend of ours. Right?

Take care.

What's he talking about?

He's worse than his father, talks a lot of nonsense.

Well,

shall we pray for our son?

My son! How wonderful, God has heeded my prayers!

Thank you, mother.

But now, battle begins.

Your father must be proud of you.

Certainly, Mrs. Genoveva.

My son will etch the Sampaio name in history.

Angélica, pack up! You're going to the capital!

We'll handle that, uncle, don't worry.

I'm sure your grandmother is as proud as I am.

-Ceci, the champagne, please. -Yes!

A toast!

To Madam Lueji.

A toast.

If not for Grandma Lueji, none of this would have happened.

I'll pass by her grave to give thanks.

Excuse me.

Genoveva.

If you're going to the tavern, come back sober.

We have a special dinner tonight.

Your family deserves no grievances on such a happy day.

-Are you sure, Ceci? -I am!

It can only be the letter you're expecting,

it arrived a few days ago.

I thought about this letter the entire trip.

"The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men

hereby informs, through this letter, that Dr. Paulo Sampaio

is barred...

Is barred from assuming the position he sought,

on account of..."

Paulo, why were you barred?

Because you married a white woman?

Ceci,

we aren't like you,

we do not discriminate people like that.

-But, then why? -You know why.

I'll never forget the days when my life was full of color.

I miss those days.

I came as soon as I received your message.

Congratulations, my love!

-Congratulations! -Thank you.

It's great to commemorate this with you.

I would be incomplete without this.

From now on, there will be no Antônio without Beja,

or Beja without Antônio!

You'll tell your family today, right?

Today, at dinner.

Once everyone is gathered.

And tomorrow, our new life begins!

Our new life begins.

Our new life!

They're waiting for you.

We don't allow any visits, but the man seemed quite upset.

It's my father!

He came to get me!

Why are you here, Valdo?

Your father asked me to come and bring your medicine.

What medicine?

Charcoal, Maria.

For your stomach problems.

-Remember? -Yes, right.

Thank you.

Very good.

Could I speak with her, Mother?

-Relay family messages? -Maria,

sin will often find its way to you precisely in the form of words.

And you also know

that what escapes my gaze

does not escape the gaze of God. No?

What kind of shoddy medicine is this?

It's the only way I could come see you!

I was worried about you!

I was also missing you.

Then help me get out of here, and you won't miss me anymore.

Don't ask me such a thing, I can't disobey my boss.

I'll kiss you.

No,

I'll give all of myself just for you.

Come on, Maria.

-That's a silly idea. -You like me, don't you?

I know you do. I know.

Don't tempt me!

Don't tempt me.

I'm a good man! Don't tempt me!

Then get out of here!

And take this crappy medicine with you!

-Don't do this. -Go away, Valdo!

The best doesn't always win.

It's hard, but it's reality.

The elections are sovereign.

I do not question that.

I just wonder:

"Was I really the best?"

Certainly, the most well intentioned.

I didn't want to travel just now that you got here.

It's alright, Zé. It's a short trip, you'll be back soon.

Besides, João knows there is much left to fight for.

Even outside the office.

Have you seen Beja?

-She was upset... -I don't care about Beja!

Excuse me. I can't sit still.

Like you said, mother, the fight is not exclusive to the office.

Excuse me.

Are you going to abandon your family over night?

Will you tell me, or do I have to go ask Botelhinho?

You're right.

You have the right to know.

Carminha,

I...

I loved another woman, before you.

Her name was Margarida.

Her father had already promised her to another fellow.

His name was

Diogo Carneiro, and he married her.

But she and I, we...

couldn't control our hearts, you know?

Hello, my love!

Were you sick again, Margarida?

-You're so pale! -I wish that were all.

I'm pregnant, my love.

When Diogo found out she was pregnant when they married,

he cleansed his honor with blood.

With her blood, and...

my son's blood.

Of course, I killed that bastard.

I killed him and ran!

Though my parents were pained by it,

I'd sooner be a distant son than a convicted son!

I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.

I'm sorry.

I'm shocked at what you can do for love.

I'm a criminal! The police is after me!

I can't put your life and our son's in danger!

So I'm leaving.

If you go, our son and I will follow.

Do you have any idea what risks you and Vicente face if you come with?

I'm a fugitive!

Prepare the carriage.

Late at night, so no one sees.

We leave tomorrow.

Good evening.

-Good evening. -Come. Come in.

Come.

This way. It's alright.

You're safe here.

João.

What have you done?

What I always should have.

I'm sick of talking and not acting!

You freed them from their slave quarters?

This woman is almost 90, mother!

-The rest of her life should be free! -My son!

I'm worried about the danger to you!

I'm incredibly proud of you, but...

Mother, I need to wait until late night, when no one is outside,

so I can take them to the maroon community.

Right now, they need food and clean clothes.

Alright. I'll handle that.

Please, go right ahead.

Ma'am,

we thank you.

For the food.

May it help us reach the free land.

N'zambi ua Kuatesa, n'zambi ua Kuatesa.

-Aweto. -Aweto.

Please.

Malunga?

My bracelet?

I never take it off.

My malunga is similar.

Kieza made it.

Back when we crossed the great kalunga,

by boat.

She made malunga for her, and for I.

She was wee and young.

All alone, ma'am.

Kieza looked after I.

Then made me malunga so I don't cry,

and to protect us on the new land.

Only Kieza made malunga like this.

Mine belonged to my great-grandmother.

Madam Lurdes.

Lurdes.

Maria, Tiana.

Those are mindele names.

White names.

Your great-grandmother's name, Kieza,

it means "the one who arrives."

Kieza?

Ma'am, you came from Africa to Brazil

with my great-grandmother?

We got here on the same boat.

We left Cabinda behind.

Cabinda.

My family is from Cabinda!

Then, we got lost.

They took Kieza away from I.

My great-grandmother,

Kieza,

she was freed by Grandmother Lueji.

Lueji? The queen?

Ma'am! They only talked of her at the slave quarters!

That one day Lueji would come!

They waited.

And waited.

And no Lueji.

But time is lord.

If you respect time,

you never lose your way.

I didn't know my great-grandmother,

or my grandmother,

but time brought you here.

I didn't know where they came from, but now I do!

Thank you so much!

Thank your son, ma'am.

He bring me here!

To make you remember, ma'am, what your blood already knew!

Your heart, too.

Does Antônio really need all that space for his affairs, Beja?

I want him to feel at home.

Because, pressure,

he'll feel plenty of when he tells his family he'll live with me.

You've done well, my son.

I couldn't have done it without you.

His victory is a blessing!

A blessing would be leaving Araxá behind.

When the path is crooked, God sets it straight.

I can't believe I'll live right in the capital.

Angélica, we need to talk.

In fact, father,

I need to speak to all of you.

Congratulations, Antônio!

It seems now, my brother is an important politician!

What on Earth are you doing here?

And what are you wearing?

They're Valdo's! Poor man.

He accidentally got me out of hell.

Then get out of here!

And take this crappy medicine with you!

-Don't do this. -Go away, Valdo!

They'll hear us!

Who let an intern slip away like that?

-Do the nuns know she tried to kill me? -The nuns?

Could the nuns know?

Could the nuns maybe know that you

are father to the child in that whore Beja's belly?

Enough! Enough!

You've said enough! You're over the line!

But I'm not lying, uncle!

You're always in that den of sin.

You know the golden rule, yes?

What golden rule?

No man can finish inside of Beja.

It's not allowed.

-Except for... -Angélica, get her out.

-You know? -Now!

Come, Maria. Let's go. Come.

Let go of me!

Let go!

Antônio, is this true?

Of course it's true, daddy.

Everybody knows it.

Antônio is the only man Beja allowed to go all the way!

Congratulations, daddy!

You'll be a grandfather!

Get out of here!

Go, or I'll do to you what you tried to do to your brother, and failed!

Go! Get out, now!

You're going to be a grandfather!

Congratulations, daddy!

Antônio, what your sister is saying...

-Is it true? -Maria is unwell, she doesn't...

Enough, mother.

Father deserves the truth.

Antônio, you'll regret saying...

Silence!

Only Antônio speaks!

Her child is mine, yes.

Now that I'm elected, I'm staying with her.

I will stand by Beja and the child.

-Father? -Paulo!

-Father! -Honey...

Don't talk to me, Antônio.

I don't want to see your face!

-What have I done, Ceci? -Calm down, Paulo, calm down.

It's alright.

-It's alright, calm down. -Ceci, I...

Can you really not understand that what I needed is...

What I needed, you...

I tried, mother. I tried.

I studied, I...

I got married, I built a family.

I made all the money that they covet so much!

I dressed for respect, but, it's not...

It's not...

-It's never enough! -Calm down, Paulo!

-It's never enough! -Sit down, come.

My God! The worst part is that they think

that I do all this only to...

to fit in.

To dilute myself.

To be accepted!

Paulo! Paulo!

Calm down!

Paulo, please! You have to sit! Calm down!

I understand your words, mother.

I understand.

Blend in.

Get power, to stop this white jungle from devouring all of us,

but they don't want to understand!

You know why, Ceci?

Why?

Because our dark skin

is a message that they refuse to read!

Paulo, talk to me!

What's wrong? Paulo, no!

Ceci.

-I'm here. -There is no day without night.

All thanks to Zambi!

So it is.

You can't see the glow of stars without the darkness of night.

And my people, Ceci, my people...

Do you see this color?

I do, Paulo, I do.

-Calm down. -We are the night.

The thunder of soul.

Because, only at night,

when your warm body lowers its guard from the passing sunlight, can our soul

fly free.

Overflow.

And fly...

Mother, I can see the world that you tried to build,

but we are still so distant!

So distant from your dream!

Mama Lueji!

Paulo! No, Paulo!

Paulo!

-I need to speak with my mother. -Paulo!

-Why must it be this way, Ceci? -No, Paulo! Calm down!

Please! Calm down! Tell me what's wrong! What's wrong?

Tell me. Tell me what's wrong.

Ceci.

If you only knew the dimensions of my love,

then maybe one day you could understand

the sacrifice I made so that I could be with you.

You'll always be the love of my life, Ceci.

No, Paulo! No!

Paulo, what's wrong?

It's okay! Calm down! Tell me what's wrong!

Someone help me, for God's sakes!

Paulo, stay with me! Stay with me!

Someone help!

The streets are empty, everyone's indoors.

-It's time to go. -Let's go.

Miss Dyami,

you've brought me something I didn't even know I needed.

The feeling of belonging, of knowing my origins.

Thank you so much.

-Goodbye, ma'am. -Good luck.

Son, please, be careful.

Be at ease, Mrs. Josefa.

I was born for this.

Can you reach the maroon community before sunrise?

We'll only know by trying.

Good luck, my son.

Thank you, mother.

I'm sorry, uncle.

There's nothing more I can do.

No.

I want to talk to Antônio.

Alone.

No! No, I won't allow it! He can't be alone!

-I can't! He... -Mrs. Ceci, please.

We should let them talk.

Sit down, son.

I ask your blessing.

I should have told you more often

how much I love you, Antônio.

But you will feel that love.

Beating,

right here, in your heart.

On every step of your fight.

Just as I felt the love of your grandmother.

The love of my mother was always with me,

during my battles.

You need to rest.

I cannot close my eyes

until I'm sure that you've truly listened to my words.

You were born free.

You've never lived it, felt it,

the suffering and pain of captivity.

But you were arrested.

Did you feel the weight of the chains?

Do you want that for Blacks?

No.

-Never. -Then listen closely, Antônio.

If you stray from your path...

it will be as if I'd died a second time.

As if grandmother Lueji had died a second time.

The most valuable inheritance

that I could possibly leave to you

is my blood.

And our fight.

You have to be strong, Antônio.

To carry on.

Carry on and conquer

what your father could not.

I will honor the blood of our ancestors.

I'll honor the blood of Grandma Lueji.

And I'll honor your blood, father.

Then, listen.

If you lose your reputation,

you lose our fight!

And so, every Black loses this fight too.

I don't want you to carry that pain

for the rest of your life.

Look in my eyes and promise me, Antônio,

that you won't stand

by neither Beja,

nor the child she's expecting.

I promise, father.

Antônio.

My son.

Father?

Father?

Talk to me!