O.pagador.de.promessas.aka.the.given.word.1962.... May 2026
The film's exploration of "fake news" (represented by the sensationalist journalists) and the dangers of religious extremism feels remarkably contemporary. Anselmo Duarte’s direction, combined with the powerful performance of Leonardo Villar as Zé, ensures that The Given Word remains a masterpiece of empathy and social commentary.
The story follows Zé do Burro, a humble farmer from the Brazilian Northeast. When his beloved donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to a Saint: if the animal recovers, Zé will carry a heavy wooden cross on his back from his lands all the way to the Church of Saint Barbara in Salvador, Bahia. O.Pagador.de.Promessas.AKA.The.Given.Word.1962....
: As Zé waits outside the church, the media and local politicians manipulate his story for their own agendas, turning a private act of devotion into a public circus. The film's exploration of "fake news" (represented by
: In 1962, the film beat out legendary directors like Michelangelo Antonioni and Luis Buñuel to take the top prize at Cannes. When his beloved donkey falls terminally ill, Zé