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The Given Word

Name: The Given Word
Director: Anselmo Duarte
Released: 1962
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

2.7/10

Limited

1962

Director

Anselmo Duarte

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Anselmo Duarte’s film is a focused exploration of personal faith versus institutional doctrine. It effectively uses a spiritual journey to critique the rigidity of established religious structures, providing a sophisticated examination of systemic conflicts. However, the film lacks demographic diversity. Its narrative is heavily centered on a male protagonist, and it does not offer much in terms of LGBTQ+ or gender diversity. Consequently, the film prioritizes thematic subversion of religious institutions over broader representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Given Word have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. It focuses solely on the spiritual and physical journey of a single protagonist.

How does The Given Word portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around a male protagonist and his struggle against a patriarchal religious system. There is no indication of female empowerment or challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Given Word?

Fair

Set in Brazil, the film addresses the life of a very poor man, highlighting class-based issues that often intersect with racial dynamics. However, it does not specifically address racial diversity.

How does The Given Word represent religion and culture?

Good

The film criticizes rigid religious institutions by showing a protagonist rejected by the official church. It portrays religious bodies as barriers to true faith.

Does The Given Word include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The plot is driven by the illness of a donkey rather than any human disability.

Present on Screen

Offers a strong critique of rigid religious institutions.
Addresses social realism and the structural realities of Brazilian society.
Provides a nuanced challenge to conventional religious expectations.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Limited female empowerment and gender diversity among characters.
Minimal focus on diverse racial or neurodivergent perspectives.

Official 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.

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