In the late 19th century, Jesuíno Brilhante swears to avenge his cousin, the republican and abolitionist Botelho, who was killed by powerful landlords. Government troops and a rival family unite to hunt down Jesuíno, who has assembled his own band of armed men.
Friends Severina and Maria José struggle to survive in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro. The first is a widow who sells flowers and the second has a lover who does little to help with expenses. Their children sell peanuts during the day. One day, the children get lost and are found again at Jaks' house,...