O Pagador de Promessas

It is not a surprise that this movie won the golden palm in Cannes. The story of the man that carry a big and heavy cross as a promise for the healing of his donkey is the simpliest and the most beautiful. The poetic way as it is shown became the film an unforgettable classic, with Zé as the protagonist. For sure, technically it is a pre-historic film, the sound quality and editing is really bad, but it even help the audience to focus what really cares. That is not only about poverty, but about humanity. If you liked Central Station, you can't miss.

A shame such an important movie has no poster here on IMDb. I wanted to add the one that is used on Wikipedia, but I would have to pay to do that. Strange. (Edit: it has a poster now.)

If you are critical of religion fanaticism, you must see this movie! It shows what can become of fanatic people, how lack of education plays an important role in fanaticism, the arrogance of the church and the hypocrisy of our society.

Zé do Burro (Joe of the Donkey) has the soul of a child. He is a good guy, but extremely naive. His naivety is shamelessly exploited, and people cruelly distort his good intentions, making an evil person out of him, when all he wanted was to do good.

The movie won the Golden Palm in Cannes and other prizes. It's a classic. Dialogs are a bit theatrical (only if you understand Portuguese), but so they used to be that time. A movie that will get under your skin.

One of those overlooked Films in Cinema History, Honest, multi-layered and amazingly contemporary, this is one of those movies that have admirably stood the test of time, add to that Winning the prestigious Palm d'Or at Cannes 1962.

In my opinion this is one of the best Brazilian movie ever made and also the best movie about religion and its implications to a society in general.

It is a mix of religion, politic, culture, beliefs, prejudices, intolerance. It starts as a simple and innocence gesture from a poor man to pay homage to a Saint after his donkey gets miraculous healed, but instead it becomes a bizarre show of enormous proportions. The authority of the church, the misleading politicians, the media and the crowd use the cause for their own gain. It's a battle between the bureaucracy of norms and the innocence of simple causes. Amazing performances by the main cast.

This movie was awarded with Palme D'Or and the Oscar candidate for Brazil.

THIS IS A MUST SEE MOVIE, it worth every minute of it.

This film is great! One of the best movies I have ever seen. About faith, religion, poverty...well, about life and all that surrounds us

Could have been just another sentimental and dishonest movie about human condition but no! It is beautiful and trully rewarding... A Masterpiece, do yourselves a favor and watch this movie!