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The Given Word

The Given Word

1962

Director

Anselmo Duarte

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Zé is a very poor man whose most prized possession is his donkey. When his donkey falls terminally ill, Zé makes a promise to Saint Bárbara: If his donkey recovers, he will carry a cross - like Jesus - all the way from his city to Saint Bárbara's church, in the state capital. Upon the recovery of his donkey, Zé leaves on his journey. He makes it to the church, but the priest refuses to accept the cross once he discovers the context of Zé's promise.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

4.1/10

Fair


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The film lacks LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-cisnormative identities. The story focuses entirely on a singular protagonist's spiritual and physical journey.

Gender Representation

Limited

The narrative centers on a male protagonist and his struggle against a patriarchal religious hierarchy. There is no evidence of female agency or subversion of gendered leadership.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

As a Brazilian production, the film exists within a non-Anglo-Saxon context. The focus on a very poor man suggests class-based identities that often intersect with racial dynamics.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The film critiques the rigidity of organized religion by depicting a protagonist rejected by the institutional Church. It frames religious institutions as obstacles to genuine faith.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The donkey's illness serves as the primary plot catalyst rather than human disability.

Strengths

  • Strong critique of institutional religious authority and systemic dogma.
  • Engages with social realism and the structural realities of Brazilian life.
  • Provides a nuanced disruption of conventional religious expectations.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisnormative characters.
  • Limited female agency and gender diversity within the character structure.
  • Minimal focus on diverse racial or neurodivergent perspectives.

AI Analysis

Anselmo Duarte’s drama is a focused study of individual faith versus institutional dogma. It excels at using a spiritual journey to critique the rigidity of established religious hierarchies, offering a sophisticated look at systemic friction. However, the film lacks demographic breadth. The narrative is heavily centered on a male protagonist, and the absence of diverse gendered or LGBTQ+ perspectives limits its intersectional depth. Ultimately, the film is a social realist critique of authority rather than a diverse ensemble piece. It prioritizes thematic subversion of religious institutions over broad representation.

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