"A HIDDEN LIFE"
BASED ON THE BOOK BY AUTRAN DOURADO
Here they come!
What color do you think her dress is?
She's so skinny!
Look at her skirt!
Quiet, Mazilia. She's your cousin!
Constança. Our cousin is here.
Come in, cousin, make yourself at home.
Come in.
So, this is our cousin.
We've been waiting a long time for you.
So, did you have a good trip?
You must surely be tired.
These trips on horseback are very tiring, I know.
Keeping up with Conrado is not easy.
I know how you must be feeling.
Your room is downstairs. You'll have more privacy.
And you can see the street. You can even flirt from the window.
Discreetly, isn't that so, husband?
Otherwise people will notice and you will demean yourself.
I thought she was a girl, but she's a young woman.
This is your home, now.
It's not like the farm, where you had that big house to yourself.
There are more people here. There's Mazilia...
there's Alfeu, whom you met pulling the horses, and Joviana.
Our cousin must be tired.
Show her to her room. We'll talk later.
I'm sorry if I kept you waiting.
- Go on, cousin. - Come see your bedroom.
You can rest before dinner.
I want to be more than just a cousin. I want to be your friend.
She's kind of dumb and silly, doesn't say a word.
Funny thing, nobody dresses like that anymore.
She's more like a stick.
She is our cousin, and she's going to live here.
You'll have to like her. And respect her.
But, Mom, didn't you see her dress?
Why does she wear that rag if she can afford much more?
We expected something better, much better than that!
Some people are shy. They take a while to show who they are.
Maybe she'll turn into a big talker.
Some people are odd at first. Later they feel more at ease.
- If everything goes wrong... - No, Conrado...
everything's going to be alright.
So, did you rest? Don't you want to have dinner?
Conrado has just eaten. He was starving and tired.
No, that's alright, cousin. I'm not hungry.
Don't stand on ceremony, Biela.
I'm not. I'm really not hungry.
I ate during the trip.
All right, then. Make yourself at home.
Don't you want to turn on the lights?
- No, thanks. - All right.
You must be starving. You didn't have any breakfast.
It's always hard at first.
Mazilia, pass the manioc flour to your cousin.
Alfeu, don't eat with your mouth open.
We have to take her to meet some people in town.
Right, husband?
A visit to the church would make Father Matias very happy.
Father Matias has already heard and asked about her.
Would you like to call on some people?
- Mom, I've had enough. - Sit up straight, boy!
The boy needs a boarding school, alright.
Is that all you're going to eat? She's standing on ceremony.
I'm not hungry, really. I'm full.
This crackling smells really good.
Want some?
- I don't mind if I do. - Help yourself.
Crispy. Back there at Fundão I used to eats tons of crackling.
What was it like there?
It was very beautiful.
There were lots of woods, lots of birds...
By the side of the house...
there was a quiet creek. You could hear it trickle all day.
Further down, the flail would pound, peeling rice.
It was really lovely.
Biela...
come to the living-room.
You belong in the living-room, with us...
not in the kitchen with the servants.
How come nobody ever taught you needlepoint at the farm?
Mazilia could crochet strips when she was 7.
There, hold it.
Too tight. There, pull it.
What did you do on the farm?
I used to work in the fields. I did the shopping.
I can make corn patties and corn pudding.
Corn patties with cheese and honey.
That's nice.
But now you've got to learn things like sewing and needlepoint.
It's not proper for you to sit all day long...
in the kitchen with the servants.
You must learn other things with us here in the living-room.
- Now what? - This thread is very tricky.
Woman! Coffee!
She's not very talkative.
But she speaks to me.
Very little, but she does.
She's not too bright, in my opinion.
Cousin Juvêncio was like that, too.
He used to have those violent fits.
He was kind of strange.
What you inherit is not stolen.
I think she's just a little shy.
She's a normal girl.
She'll change with time.
You'll see.
You actually look beautiful today.
Dear, you cannot go on wearing these clothes.
It was alright for you to wear plain dresses in the country...
but not here in the city.
Listen, tomorrow we'll go shopping...
and get the best they have for you.
I can't afford it, cousin, I can't.
What do you mean, you can't?
Come on, Biela! Of course you can!
You are wealthy!
Are you telling me you don't know how rich you are?
It's not that. It's just...
I don't know how to wear those things.
If that's the problem, dear, leave it to me.
Anyone can dress well, Biela.
Tomorrow I'll talk to Conrado...
and we'll buy you a new wardrobe.
Mr. Gaudêncio has such nice fabrics, velvets, taffeta.
Conrado is not stingy with his money...
let alone with yours.
Leave it to me.
- Good morning, Father. - Good morning, Mrs. Constança.
So you have a new girl at home...
but you haven't taken her to church yet.
Well, Father, this the first time she leaves the house.
I had already invited her, but we kept putting it off.
You know how country girls are. Say hello to the Father.
- Bless me, Father. - God bless you, daughter.
My name is Gabriela da Conceição Fernandes.
My folks call me Biela.
How have you been?
Very well. I've been very well.
Have you already been to the House of God?
- House of God? - Yes, I mean the church!
- Have you never been in a church? - No, sir.
A priest would come by the farm for prayer and christenings...
...but I don't know how to pray. - You've got to learn.
Don't forget that she never set foot off the farm.
I know, Constança.
All right. If you'll excuse us, we have to go.
- I promise we'll go to church. - God bless you.
Amen.
Look at this cut, ma'am.
Let's adjust this here.
Damn, boy! You pest!
Don't let him scare you. Thank God he's going to boarding school...
and won't be back until December.
I think this neck is too low. Make it higher.
- Let's see... - I'll close it a little further.
I bought you this lace. Won't it look nice?
Look, Biela, how do you like it?
It's really beautiful.
What if we tried another color?
Why not?
Yes, you're right! It looks much better.
You're going to look lovely. How lovely.
- What about the velvet? - This velvet, I was thinking...
of making a very high neck...
very tight at the back...
Look at this velvet finishing, isn't it marvelous?
We put it around here, and then back.
Very tight, to make her neck very beautiful.
- Look, how nice! - Maybe three times around.
- On the sleeves... - Rome wasn't built in a day, right?
Right.
You know, Joviana...
spending all that money on those dresses...
I think it's a waste.
You'll look pretty in new clothes, though.
My cousin must be crazy to spend all that money.
Next thing I'll be poor, a nobody, useless.
A rag. Then...
they'll throw me out.
No way, girl.
You will look beautiful in those new dresses.
I'll end up like the beggars in Fundão...
begging for a bit of manioc flour and brown sugar bar.
Nothing like that will happen. You'll look pretty...
get yourself a good husband and be happy.
I don't know about that.
You did what you could.
At least whoever sees her in expensive fabrics...
won't say we ill-treated an orphan.
Had I known, I wouldn't have spent so much money for nothing.
You're peeing standing up, like a mule!
You little devil, miserable pest!
You brat! I'll tell your mother.
- What's this? - It's a song.
A song!
So that's what a song is for.
What I just played is a song. This is a piano.
A piano.
- How come I never saw you play? - I was fed up.
Today I felt like playing.
Play some more.
This is my favorite.
How very thoughtful of you to come and visit me.
- How have you been? - Very well. I have been very well.
How is everybody at home?
We're all doing very well.
- That's nice. - Yes, that's nice.
Look, I brought this for you, ma'am.
Thank you. That's very kind of you.
Let me get you some coffee.
How are your cousins?
They're fine.
The boy, Alfeu, went to boarding school.
The Caraça. Do you know the school?
Boarding schools are very good schooling.
The Caraça is better still.
The girl, Mazilia, is going to a nuns' school...
...in Mariana. - That's nice.
Will you excuse me, please?
Miss Biela, isn't it time you went home?
Constança must be worried about you.
We didn't even notice and time really flew like a bird.
- I'll be on my way. - Come again, soon.
Yes.
- So, goodbye. - Goodbye.
- They're a bunch of idiots. - What happened? Calm down.
God, come one, let's go inside!
He misses playing cards.
He got into a huge fight at the club, so he won't go there.
Now he has no partners...
and gets upset for no reason.
Don't mind him. As I told you, he misses playing cards.
Damned hot day.
Would you like some refreshment?
Why don't you invite some friends to play cards here?
Just to entertain yourself.
I like "bisca", and it's not fit to play at home.
You don't have to play "bisca". You can play "truco".
"Truco" is very noisy.
But it's fun, isn't it?
I know you get into fights, but it's all for show.
That might be an idea.
- Hello. - Hello.
- I like women skirts only. - What do you think?
"Truco"!
I'm very lucky, dead.
"Truco"! We'll see, I'll show you how to play.
Funny game, isn't it?
There at Fundão the workers used to play it at night...
it was great fun.
"Truco"!
That's it, son!
- You've taught your son well. - Colonel, keep an eye on them.
- There you go. - That's it!
That's it, Colonel!
No one will stop us now!
Would you serve the coffee?
Wake up!
You thought I had nothing?
- Next one is ours. - É zap!
- Let them win once. - Otherwise they'll lose interest.
You thought it was a piece of cake?
Come on!
- Yes, Colonel, let's show them. - Let's beat them.
- They're not good enough. - Let's show them.
It's your turn.
- Are you sleeping, Colonel? - Let's start with this one.
Leave it there. Come one, come on!
"Truco" again! "Truco"!
Wow, that's a lot of rolls.
- Even the players can eat. - That's for sure.
You know I'm very fond of cooking, don't you?
I've been noticing what you're fond of.
But your place is in the living room, with the masters.
Come on, Joviana.
You finally brought the corn, Gumercindo.
This is good.
We'll be able to make lots of patties.
I think the oven is ready for the rolls.
Hiding your intentions?
It was Biela herself who made the corn rolls.
You're just training.
This one is for warming up.
Cousin, can you get us another coffee?
Come on, Mr. Zico, let's beat them now. Let's show them.
- Ok, Colonel. There you go. - Let's show them!
Some birds fall right into the snake's nest.
What's that, Miss Biela?
Don't take a priest's urine for holy oil.
- Very good, Mr. Modesto. - Let's turn this around, Colonel.
Let's beat them.
- Come on. - Your turn.
Are you asleep or are you sleepwalking?
- Cut, Colonel. - Right.
Good morning, cousin.
You're up late today.
Cousin, I'm...
I don't want to serve coffee to the guests.
What do you mean?
I won't be there when they play cards.
Why? Did something happen?
No, nothing. It's just that I've decided.
- That's not an answer, Biela. - But I don't want to.
I really don't.
What do you mean?
Haven't you noticed Modesto's interest in Biela?
And she's not indifferent.
Not really? Cousin Biela and Modesto?
That's very funny.
I can't see why.
There's nothing wrong about that.
She's like any other girl.
And Modesto is not so wonderful.
Come to think of it, she's a good catch.
She's wealthy.
Two equals don't match.
If it wasn't risky, I would like to see them married.
It would be funny.
But I don't trust Modesto very much.
He's devilish.
He's very unsociable, and very devilish.
I think he's a good man.
You talk to cousin Biela. Get to know her feelings.
But don't rush things.
Let them deal with it.
Besides...
in such matters it's the man who calls the shots.
You've learned your lesson well. Now you can get married.
Never thought about it? You're old enough.
Get married?
How does one get married?
Biela.
By getting married.
Living for your husband.
I don't think I'm interested.
You should be, or else it will be too late.
You won't want to be an old maid, do you?
Marriage is a good.
- Every girl should get married. - I don't need to get married.
I'm fine here with my cousins.
If you don't want me here, I'll go back to Fundão.
Come on, Biela!
We're very happy to have you here.
But time flies...
and there's a time for everything.
I want to see you happy.
I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about this marriage thing.
All right.
- So, Mr. Zico, what's new? - How's your wife?
- Fine, thank God. - And that Biela girl?
Fine, too.
Ever since that "truco" game my son keeps talking about her.
Well, he's interested in Miss Biela.
In Biela?
For a serious relationship.
With your permission...
I would like them to court, with you consent.
Well, Mr. Zico, I'll talk to the girl and...
then we'll talk again.
But there's one thing, Mr. Zico. I'm sorry, you're his father...
I'm sorry to bring it up, but...
I'm her guardian, her relative...
I take care of her estate.
There's one thing.
Rumor has it.
We both know that your son is not too fond of working.
He's kind of lazy, devilish.
You're absolutely right.
But I'm going to make him work hard.
He'll sell cattle...
harvest coffee, take care of the crops.
If he wants to be someone, to straighten up, he'll have to change.
Just as I came here to ask for her hand...
I'll come here to break the commitment. Without hurting our friendship.
All right, Mr. Zico...
that's a deal, then.
I'll talk to the girl and let you know.
Excuse me, cousin.
Mr. Zico's came here to talk to Conrado.
He wants to know if you'll marry his son Modesto.
What's wrong, girl?
If it's up to me, no.
Why? He's such a nice fellow.
Full of good intentions. You have to get married.
His own father Mr. Zico came to ask Conrado.
If it were a bad idea, Conrado himself would have refused.
I know, cousin, it's just that I've never thought about it.
I'm not the marrying kind. I'm fine living here with you.
I think he's a very good catch...
otherwise I wouldn't be here talking to you.
I know, but... I don't want to.
You don't have to answer now.
Sleep on it and think.
All right.
I'II.
I'll think about it. I'll sleep on it.
So you have news, don't you, Constança?
And you've come here to hear all about it, right?
Go call cousin Biela, because our guest is here for her, not me.
I knew Biela would find her way.
He's a good man, good family.
I agree with you.
Today you have company.
So, you found yourself a suitor. Are you excited?
She's very excited, alright. But she hasn't made up her mind.
Well, dear, if you think twice you won't do it.
She will accept him, of course, won't she?
Can I interest you in some tarts, Mrs. Geni?
Biela made them herself.
What a gifted girl.
She's ready for marriage.
You know, Gumercindo, I think there'll be a wedding soon.
- I'm not sure. - Come on, Gumercindo.
Biela is a very nice lady.
She needs to get married.
And I feel good about this wedding.
I really do.
Getting married may be good.
But I don't trust that fellow.
- Will you be back for dinner? - I'm not sure.
I don't think so.
- You have to talk to Biela. - I'm going to.
She has to make up her mind.
It's been two weeks already.
Mr. Zico is an honest man. A man of his word.
I have to tell him whether she wants him or not.
You're right.
Come on.
You've had enough time to think.
Now you have to say yes or no.
I don't want to get married.
- Do you? - It's not for me to say.
You're the one who's getting married.
Would it please you if I got married?
Yes, it would, Biela.
Well, then you can tell cousin Conrado to tell Mr. Zico that...
I'll accept his son.
Good.
How are Mr. Conrado...
and Mrs. Constança?
Fine.
They're right inside.
Want me to get them?
No...
This is just fine.
Is this just fine?
It's so hot.
Yes.
Is it true that you have a lot of money in the bank?
I don't know about that. My cousin knows.
How many heads of cattle?
A lot of heads of cattle. Lots.
Lots of crops, too.
Cotton, coffee...
everything in full production.
How many liters of milk a day?
Last I checked it was a lot. Lots of liters.
We used to make cheese, caramel candy.
There was no end to the milk.
What happens to all the profits?
What does your cousin do with them?
Profits?
- Money. - I don't know anything about that.
My cousin handles that. I don't need to know.
Modesto doesn't even talk about love to Biela.
What do they talk about, then?
I overheard him asking her how much money she has in the bank...
and how many heads of cattle she has.
- That's very weird. - But he likes her, you know?
He likes her a lot.
If he's going to take care of her estate, he has to know.
Give me an idea. I want to embroider this tablecloth...
Biela, come in.
I'm going to embroider this for you. What kind of stitch do you want?
It's up to you, cousin. Whatever you like, I like.
Isn't she a nice bride?
Some brides...
insist on one thing and won't settle for anything else.
Now, this one, anything pleases her.
Let's make it cross-stitch, then.
- In blue, all right? - In blue.
Yes, blue will be fine.
Unbelievable. A man your age doing nothing at this time of the day.
Are you talking to me?
You're a man about to be married.
You'll see how much work I'll find you.
Have you got it straight? Come back by the river.
Let the cattle drink while you rest. Have you put the money away?
- Yes, I have, sir. - Have a good trip, then.
- Bless me, Father. - God bless you.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye.
You have some nerve!
My hearts beats your diamonds!
- Seven of hearts over diamonds. - Zap!
My partner is unbeatable today!
Can you beat my hearts? No way!
There you are, partner! There you go.
You win again!
- Let's finish this game now. - Let's do it.
Let's see if you're really tough, Colonel.
Partner, look at this.
That's my Colonel. Come on!
Come on, Colonel. Truco again!
Put the veil on so I can see how it looks.
How lovely, ma'am.
You look really lovely, Biela.
Brides are always beautiful, aren't they, ma'am?
So true.
My, Gumercindo, she looks so pretty!
Aren't they Zico's men who went to round up cattle with Modesto?
Weren't they supposed to be away for two months?
And I see neither cattle nor Modesto.
I wonder what happened.
How could he run away like that? He's a scumbag.
A good-for-nothing. Ruining our friendship like this.
I wish I could drag him here to tell us why he did it.
It's not worth going through all that trouble at you age.
You won't find him.
Besides, he's a grown man. You're not to blame.
You can be sure of one thing, though.
To me, he's as good as dead.
He's your son. You did all you could.
Don't worry.
I have not changed my mind about you.
One day he'll be back on his knees, miss.
I didn't want to get married anyway.
It's no use crying over spilled milk.
I only got engaged to please you.
Oh, Biela!
It never crossed my mind.
Maria, put this dress in a box.
After a vulture's finished, there's no meat left, just bones.
Let's put it behind us. It's over.
Besides...
he wasn't worth it anyway. I hope he burns.
In the deep end of hell.
She deserved better, ma'am.
Good afternoon, cousin. How are you?
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon, Joviana, Good afternoon, Gumercindo.
Good afternoon.
Do you need help?
Why, miss, Miss Biela, from you?
There's no need. But have a seat.
- Would you like some coffee? - Yes, ma'am.
Mrs. Constança says that lunch is served.
She's calling you.
You can tell her I'm not going.
From now on I'll eat by the stove in the kitchen.
You can tell her that.
Woman, go call our cousin.
I'm telling her to come, not asking.
No, sir. I'm not going.
No, I'm not.
You should get used to the idea.
If she wants to, let her stay in the kitchen.
It's up to her.
We can all choose what we want.
We can each choose the world we want to live in.
You take care of her estate because you want to.
She's not your daughter. She wants things the way they are.
So let it be.
From now on I will not set a place for her at the table.
You're right.
Everybody should lead the life they choose.
Or can afford to.
Anybody home?
Good afternoon, Biela!
Good afternoon, Francisca. Is Milurde in?
Yes, she's round the back. Come on in.
All right.
- Good afternoon, Milurde. - Hello, Miss.
- How have you been? - Not very well.
- My hand's been aching a lot. - Really?
I brought you some medication.
Rub it on before going to bed. You'll be fine in no time.
Good. Thank you. A cup of coffee?
Sounds good.
How is Joviana?
Very well, thank God. She sent her love.
That's nice.
Where's the parrot? Gone?
Must be hiding from you. He only likes men.
Your garden is really beautiful.
I'll pick some things for you to take home.
I'd appreciate it.
Good coffee.
Aren't you going to kneed those biscuits?
I was going to, but my hand started hurting.
- Will you help me? - Sure I will.
This dough is a bit too soft.
Add some more manioc flour.
Maybe I kneed the dough differently.
You have help today, Milurde.
And a good helper, at that.
- What are you making? - Manioc flour biscuits.
Now they're ready.
Will you taste one, and tell me if it's good?
- It's good. - Really?
Very good.
- Hello, Biela. - Hello, Alice, ma'am.
Nice to see you here.
- Did you bring me fat? - Yes, I did. Look.
Just put it on under a bandage and you'll be fine in four days.
I really need it. I've been in a lot of pain.
How's everybody at home? Have the children left for school?
It's like heaven. I have time for everything.
Same here. It's so quiet!
I spend the whole day on my own. Even Biela is always out.
- Has she already left today? - Sure.
She's wandering around. She visits someone every day.
She stops by my house almost every day.
Same here. When she doesn't my children crave for her biscuits.
Really? She takes them biscuits?
She makes them. She comes through the back...
and goes to the kitchen to help Milurde.
She makes corn patties, sweets, manioc flour biscuits.
- Not to mention Biela's candies. - Perfect!
I always try to chat to her, when she comes, but it's useless.
She goes right to the kitchen. And works hard.
Can you believe I once caught her about to clean the floor?
I said: "That's enough, dear. Stop it." And I didn't allow it.
She's so nice. So nice.
Amazing. I had no idea.
What can you do? You have to understand.
That's how my cousin is.
Alice and Francisca came to have tea with me.
They stayed all afternoon...
and told me the weirdest things.
They say Biela visits people and goes right to their kitchen to work.
And what's worse, Joviana told me she's being paid for it.
People feel that they have to pay her.
I think it's embarrassing, don't you?
It really is.
You're right.
I'll take care of it.
Fifteen days, Chico.
Thank you very much.
Come in, cousin. I want to have a word with you. Sit down.
Do you need any money?
No. I don't need money, cousin. I have some.
I heard you've been doing things unfit both for you...
and for us.
They told me you've been making some money...
by working at other people's houses.
To cook, to clean...
and so forth.
There's nothing wrong with that, cousin.
I don't ask for pay. I don't charge them.
When they give me money, I accept.
Besides...
I like money.
If you like money that much, why didn't you tell me?
Do you know you have a lot of money?
If you want, I'll give it all to you.
Why are you worried about that?
My money is very well kept in your hands.
It's mine, but I'd rather that you take care of it.
I won't be shy about asking for some if I need to...
but I hardly need it.
What I really need is some fabrics.
But when I do, I go to the shop and put it on my bill.
Right.
You followed me, didn't you?
Hungry?
I'll get you something to eat.
Don't you want it?
I know what I'll give you.
You were really hungry.
Come here, come. Here.
Come here, come.
Here. Come here.
Poor boy.
How could they do this to you?
Oh my! You're all dirty...
and in bad shape.
Where on earth did you come from?
Would you like to be mine? Would you?
I'll take care of you.
Later you can leave if you like. Or you can be mine.
But I'll have to give you a name.
But not today.
Have you seen what Biela picked up? Look at it in the yard.
Just another weird thing.
I don't want that dog inside the house.
I know what I'll call him.
He's going to be Vismundo.
Nice name.
- What do you think it means? - I don't know. I was thinking...
don't you think he looks like Vismundo?
- Yes. - Vismundo.
Come up! Up. Come, Vismundo!
Come, come. There! Good boy!
Come here. Again. Come on! That's right.
What's his name?
Vismundo. Come on, boy!
What a funny name.
Is it because he's been around the world?
No, it's not. It's Vismundo because it is.
Looks like a circus dog.
Miss Biela, I brought you some animal fat...
and a sponge to clean Vismundo.
Thank you, Gumercindo. Want to see how clever he is?
Look how cute.
Isn't he cute? Soon he'll sit, roll over, do whatever I say.
Vismundo! Come here.
Come here. Come here.
Come here, I'll tell you all about Fundão.
Come here.
There at Fundão, there's a flail that goes like this.
There are lots of trees, lots of birds. You would like it there.
I'll take you there one day. We'll stay there.
You'll see how nice it is.
Right, Vismundo?
Don't be long. It's going to rain.
Go on.
Vismundo?
Vismundo! Vismundo!
Vismundo.
Vismundo!
Vismundo.
Vismundo!
How could you do that to me?
You scared me. You're all wet. Now you'll get sick.
Don't do that again, okay? Don't do that again.
Hello, Vismundo.
What is it?
What's the matter?
Miss Biela!
Jesus Christ.
When I say so, say 33, all right?
Thirty three...
Thirty three.
Again, thirty three.
Thirty three.
Louder, louder.
Thirty three.
This can be serious.
She'll have to move to another room.
Vismundo, come here.
Joviana, please, get this dog out of here.
And get her a glass of milk.
- Does she still have the fever? - She's burning.
She'd better get some sleep. Come on.
Where's Vismundo?
Vismundo?
Vismundo...?