A Dog's Will
dir. Guel Arraes · 2000
Life is a constant struggle for survival that often requires cleverness and resilience in the face of adversity.
Feature
Moral Ambiguity
Mood
Comedic / Melancholic
Look
vibrant colors with a theatrical, almost surreal quality
Structure
episodic with intertwining tales of trickery and morality
Plot
The lively João Grilo and the sly Chicó are poor guys living in the hinterland who cheat a bunch of people in a small town in Northeastern Brazil. When they die, they have to be judged by Christ, the Devil and the Virgin Mary before they are admitted to paradise.
Why watch
"A Dog's Will" is a vibrant tapestry of absurdity and spirituality, where clever tricksters navigate the afterlife's judgment with humor and heart. This film is a whimsical exploration of friendship and redemption, set against the colorful backdrop of Brazilian culture.
Cultural context
Brazilian folkloreCatholicismclass struggle in the hinterlandhumor as a coping mechanism