Original subtitles

The miracle happened at the city of Cachoeira.

In a day of fair and excitement,

attested by the hundreds and hundreds of spectators.

The heroes of the occurrence were Ubaldo Capadócio.

By profession a folk literature expert,

troubadour and lover in all of these three crafts,

known for his charms and broad public acceptance.

And the Captain Lindolfo Ezequiel,

who had a reputation as a brave and cruel man,

ruling over that territory of bold men that is Bahia.

The occupations that made him famous were those of hitman

and Sabô's husband.

Sabô, truth be told,

had no respect for her husband's patent,

nor for his evil eye, nor for the lethal gun,

and her teeth were always showing.

All the men in Cachoeira's banks dreamed about Sabô.

But the guts to face her husband's manliness,

and death lurking at the gun's barrel

that only Sabô had.

Ubaldo Capadócio faced her.

For he was ignorant about the facts, the local scene,

just an outsider passing through, in search of an audience.

In Bahia's wide wilderness,

where he usually carried out his business, his cares and joys,

he was a popular and requested character.

I wish to the joyful grooms plenty of health and luck

May their kids come soon when the right time comes

May they join the couple and nothing comes between them

And may plenty of love guide them in complete loyalty

In poverty and in wealth, sustained by friendship

I give them my embrace, in all honesty

At parties, it goes without saying,

Ubaldo Capadócio showed what he was made of.

He drew sighs, gathering promises from single and married women,

concubines and girl scouts, inconsolable widows.

Even from far they called on him to be the life of the party at christenings,

weddings, funerals.

He was the best storyteller during wakes,

capable of making the deceased laugh and cry.

Then, suddenly, I look ahead

and I see a white jet, so I called out "Whale!"

The husband of the woman who was by my side stood and said:

"Hey, buddy, shut up, if she's fat that's my problem!"

The town of Cachoeira was famous for being home to Sabô

and the famous Captain Lindolfo Ezequiel...

who despatched a fair amount of brave men.

So, Sapucaia, did you see it?

- I saw it. - Can I go in?

You can. Everybody's asleep.

How are the rooms laid out?

Both sisters are in the same room.

Once you go in, it's the second door to the right.

But he's the one I'm interested in. That was my order.

He's at the back of the room, there's a drape dividing it.

Sleeping?

I was watching him, waiting. He had some cachaça and passed out.

What about guns?

He has one under his mattress. It won't be any trouble.

Just walk in and pull the trigger.

It will be an easy hit. We just have to settle the tab.

But, what about his sisters? Is there really no one else?

Only these three, I'm telling you, Mr. Lindolfo.

Now, I heard one of the girls can shoot.

Which one?

The hotter one.

Sapucaia, if I follow your judgement I'm screwed.

In the dark how could I possibly tell who is hotter, man?

Now listen: you'll come in and keep an eye on both of them.

I'll go straight towards Evaristo.

If one of them begins to act up just pull the trigger. Are we all set?

Let's go then.

It's them?

Keep an eye on them, I'll move on.

Where is the order's room? There?

Yeah.

Don't be scared!

I want you to pray.

Who are you? What do you want from me?

Get that hand out of there.

I don't want anything.

The one doing the wanting is the one who hired me.

If it was up to me...

- Evaristo? - Be quiet the both of you.

What's happening here?

Have you prayed? Pray already.

Don't do it, sir, you'll regret it! You're going to kill a family man.

I thought you were single.

I am, but I'm thinking of getting married.

So, you are a liar too, you faggot.

I have to look after my sisters. Our mother and father are dead.

They are all grown up.

If you haven't prayed yet, pray!

Let me help my brother.

No one is helping anyone here. The captain is on duty.

What captain?

Be quiet you too!

Evaristo, what's happening? Get up!

- This man wants to kill me. - Kill you?

No, nobody is going to do any killing here.

Who? Is this true?

Yes, it's true.

Please get out of my way, miss, I need to do dispatch this order.

Whose order?

Look, it's not up to me to explain these things

because you want to know them.

I can assure you, ethically speaking,

that it is a very well regarded individual who said:

"Captain, go over there and finish off this Evaristo fellow,

because he harmed my daughter and he won't make it right."

That's him, the cherry popper.

He harmed her? That's all?

Nowadays so many people do harm and get away with it.

He will even vow to marry her. Won't you, Evaristo?

- In a heartbeat. - So, that's it. We all agree.

The lady just needs to prepare her trousseau.

Now, miss, you need to step aside

'cause I've already wasted too much time

and I'm only taking this long in account of your prettiness.

But a deal is a deal and it's happening now.

A deal? Are we talking about money?

Or are you, Captain Lindolfo Ezequiel,

who knows how to separate money from other things?

What's your name?

Sabô, your servant.

So, Miss Sabô, I know how to separate things,

but on this case I was paid upfront.

Deal in cash, no discuss.

I'll admit it, there's no room for a counteroffer.

But what if the counteroffer was not money.

What do you say?

What are we talking about?

Everybody could leave,

and I'll be here alone with the Captain.

Hey, captain.

Get over here.

My counteroffer is an offer a real man would take.

You let Evaristo go, he'll leave and never come back.

In exchange, you and I close a deal.

Think about it.

Damn, so bold!

A modern woman, hun?

But it's worth it, isn't it?

A poor slob's life in exchange for a fine wife.

A good cook, a perfect companion.

It's something to consider.

Oh, and here is the prize: the bride is a virgin.

But not for long.

Sapucaia!

Let the man go, then go over to the colonel's house

and say his order had already skipped town.

Yes, sir.

I'm giving back the money.

I'll take care of it, Captain.

And you both, get out of here. I'm leaving...

with Sabô.

It's all settled.

The colonel took the money back.

And those both ran like the wind.

They won't be seen again.

Look, Captain.

You swore.

Don't think twice about it.

Let's go, Sapucaia. You know where to.

Anything else, Captain?

Sweetie, go and take a look at the house and see it pleases you,

I still need to solve some things with Sapucaia.

But go right in, Sabô, make yourself at home.

It's beautiful! Oh my God!

Make this suitcase vanish. Throw it in the woods.

Tell me: where are they?

I dispatched him, to be on the safe side.

You'll jeopardize me, man.

I promised the lady.

It was not clear to me.

It's her virginity, Sapucaia.

She'll get over it, Captain. Now it's done.

Yes, you got that right.

Captain, this house is like a dream.

And now you own it.

Oh my God.

And I'll pay the price for the girl's virginity.

Go away!

Beneath me, now, Mrs. Sabô is in charge of this house.

If she only sighs, you oughta respect it and follow it as if I had ordered it.

May she not name of single act of disrespect,

or the one to blame will have to deal with me.

Are we settled?

Alright!

Mrs. Sabô, any questions?

You didn't have to do that, captain.

Yes, I did.

You now are the wife of Lindolfo Ezequiel,

and that's leading role.

Now leave, everybody out,

because I and the lady have other things to attend to.

Sapucaia, come here!

You are loyal to my honour and know how this works.

It's like it was with the others, the same thing. You know, right?

My woman must be kept locked away unless she goes to the market,

with you right behind her.

Mass, too and nowhere else.

- I'm a prisoner? - Never, my angel. You are protected.

You shall be the most protected women in all of the county.

More than the governor's wife, there's only one difference.

And may I know what it is?

The wives of authority figures eventually argue with them.

My woman only says "yes, sir", "you are welcome",

"rest assured" and "count on me".

My man...

My captain, all of this for my brother's life, is that right?

Isn't it worth it?

I thought it was only my virginity.

No. And speak low about it.

It's a private matter. It only concerns us.

Get going now!

Sit down, woman.

Oh, Malvira, how can it be?

I didn't think it would be this bad.

What was I thinking, God?

This husband torments me.

I have to tell him where they are... What do I do, Malvira?

Spare me, Mrs. Sabô. If I tell you I'm dead.

It's been three weeks that I've been locked in.

I can't even step outside.

Don't you feel sorry for me?

A word, an advice... How was it with the others?

How do I leave this house, Malvira?

I don't know about leaving, but ma'am, have you ever heard about window?

Look at that young thing...

Beware, it's Captain Lindolfo's new wife.

You don't say. The new one? I had heard something about it.

I didn't know she was this pretty.

Forget about it, walk away! It's the hammer that nails the coffin.

But I've heard the captain is out of town. What's so dangerous?

The barrel of the gun, that's what's so dangerous.

Now, the three of you, just try and stay in this neighbourhood.

What are you talking about, captain. Who told you that?

Don't play dumb, Sabô.

I go away and you decide to stand guard at the window.

You should know that I hate windows.

I just wanted to let the wind in.

The wind and whatever else came in.

A window is half a door.

It's so coward it opens just enough

enough to attract dirty stuff.

It was during the procession.

Can't I pray now?

Not even inside the house? The holy images were passing,

I came back inside right after.

Yes, you did, but you went to the store, everybody saw you.

Yes, I did. Of course I did.

Had it not been for it we would have no Vermut.

I bought five bottles already.

Can you imagine, sir, if you arrive from your trip

and find nothing to drink?

Now look at this and don't forget it.

The next time I go away and you step out of this house,

then there will be no questioning, no inquire, no question or whatever,

because the next time these bullets will find their place right away.

Do we agree, Mrs. Sabô?

How could we not?

I just thought we were more about loving than threats.

Who said we are not, my sweet Sabô?

I'm just laying down some rules for our life,

I don't want it to be a mess.

The young lady didn't like it?

Where did I go wrong?

Don't do that, captain. You are driving me crazy.

I am? Just so you'll know...

But quit the threats.

And you quit the window.

And so, when the miracle happened in Cachoeira,

Ubaldo Capadócio was supporting three families:

One with Rosiclair.

Another with Romilda.

And another with Valdelice.

Rosiclair, the more recent, fresh out of the honeymoon,

had no time for pregnancy or child delivery,

however she was the most expensive out of the three.

Ubaldo, come here, see if you like it.

Watch out, Rosiclair. Someone might see!

No one is watching. Does it look good?

Isn't it beautiful? I'm taking one of each color.

Do you like the red one?

Rosiclair, don't you have enough bras?

But I am crazy about them! Women who have nice breasts love them.

But I'm the only one who sees them, darling.

And they're enough for me.

I have to look good for you, don't I?

You need more than just breasts, you need ornaments.

And the panties, which should I take?

Panties? Didn't you buy those yesterday, Rosiclair?

But I'm crazy about panties. Which do you think is prettier?

Are you crazy, Ubaldo?

Rosiclair, didn't you see those people?

If you are not going to help me pick I'll just take them all.

All? It's like you are a richman's wife.

Don't you get on my case, what's this now?

How long it's been since you took me out shopping?

It's been since your last trip.

Have you forgotten what day it is today?

Today? It ain't your birthday.

If it was I could make you buy them out of spite,

but on a day like today I'll make you buy as if it was a great sin not to.

I won't leave you right now because I know

you are going to give me that gift, I'm just waiting, you hear me?

Gift? What gift, Rosiclair?

The jewel you promised you'd give

on the day of our one year and a half anniversary.

But wasn't that last month?

Last month you were travelling,

it's been one year, and then half, we went out on our honeymoon,

you thought I'd forget?

It's such a beautiful ring. Thank you so much.

You're an angel.

An angel that makes love like a man.

Are you moaning?

Tell me where it hurts and I'll make it better.

You tell me. You are the boss.

So I can boss you?

As you want.

Could it be tomorrow at this store I found?

Eh, another one?

If you want to go again...

Ok, let's go again. Who knows maybe this time

you'll give me a kid or our own!

Kid? Why a kid? Just for spending?

I can't, Ubaldo.

I know you are the man for me, but I have other obligations.

Other obligations.

Obligations to your husband, right?

I know that deep inside you like him better.

What about him? Don't talk about what you don't know.

If I liked him just a little bit I wouldn't be in this bed.

I am a woman who means what she says.

And I'm a one-man girl, ok?

If I didn't want to be with you I'd just be with him and that's all.

Is this your way of saying goodbye?

We knew this would happen when we began dating, Ubaldo.

You knew I had a kid and I wouldn't leave him for nothing.

Romilda, you know that being without you would kill me,

don't you?

Leaving my son would kill me.

I'll forget about you, then.

That's what I'll do.

Go ahead, go.

Wendel!

Wendel, I want to talk with you.

Say it already, tell me.

I can't take it anymore, I've made up my mind.

How can it be? You are leaving me?

You don't need me, you've said it before.

But like this, out of the blue?

I didn't see it coming. Who are you leaving me for?

- Will you tell me? - It's none of your business.

I knew it, I knew it... there's another man.

Cuckold!

BUS TERMINAL

Ubaldo!

Along with Romilda came the oldest of the foster children,

when the brunette decided to follow the troubadour's magic guitar chords.

Of course I'll take you both.

I'll tell you: he's your son, but is mine too.

He is my heir.

He hates butcher shops...

but guitars... he loves them.

Then he has my blood.

So you are into it? You'll take us both?

Of course I will.

But there's one condition:

in less than one year we'll get him a baby brother.

And so we will!

Along with Valdelice came the second foster child named Dante,

in honour of the italian poet, when his mother died.

Get up and help to carry the coffin, it's your wife's.

May God help, she died, she's dead.

I can't stand graveyards.

Go for the boy's sake, he needs someone to take care of him.

But it won't be me.

I'll take care of him, then. Let's go, Ubaldo.

He is my son.

But, Valdelice... We already have three kids of our own at home.

Why another?

Why? So Dante won't be an orphan with a drunk for a father.

Let's get going 'cause I have to feed the rest. Let's go.

My God, where did it happen, Ubaldo?

About ten miles away from here.

At the bend, next to the hill with the cross.

I came along with Tiço at his truck.

Look, Tiço didn't mind much, but it really bothered me, Valdelice.

He doesn't have a mother?

Look, from what we've seen, no.

He must be in need of one.

Ubaldo, take me there, won't you?

Is that him?

It's him.

About the third foster child,

nicknamed "Guiniepig" for his voracious appetite...

They knew nothing about him.

Kin, age, name...

They simply saw him at the wilderness nooks eating clay.

It doesn't make you stronger, but it doesn't taste bad either.

Come here, boy. What's your name, hun?

Who left you here? Where are your parents?

My mom went bad... after that, I don't know.

You don't know? Do you want to come home with me?

Valdelice...

You'll be fed better, son. Drop that clay.

Guinepig likes it.

Guinepig doesn't! No one likes to eat clay.

You'll eat meat, rice, beans... you'll be better fed.

Valdelice, leave the boy.

We already have too many kids back home. Drop this one...

No, I won't. It's my fate, my addiction.

If God places them before me it's because He wants me to raise them.

But, Valdelice... The boy is called Guinepig.

Guine pigs eat a lot, don't they?

So then... let's go, boy.

So Ubaldo Capadócio said goodbye to all three.

A "see you soon" for only the deceased say goodbye,

at their funeral.

And so Ubaldo Capadócio was gone,

for a good troubadour finds acceptance, makes money and,

if he's got the guts for it, warms the hearts of pretty brunettes.

Malvira! Hey, Malvira!

Here I am.

I'm going to the market to buy us some fresh fish,

Don't do that, Mrs., Sabô.

The captain gave me orders not to let you out for nothing in this world.

But I won't be out for much. You can trust me.

Good God in Heaven, for all the saints, God help me!

If the captain finds out he'll kill me!

At last, after long travels, Ubaldo Capadócio arrived at Cachoeira.

A city famous for the beauty of its landscape and its many houses.

Also famous for housing Sabô,

worthy of high praise for the loveliness of her body.

Her dance-like walk, her absurd ass, an abyss.

The dimples on her cheeks,

the lips she bit in order to make them even redder

and also as a way of saying that she wanted it,

and oh, if she only could, oh...

Money she had plenty wealth she did not lack

She inherited it all from her husband but would not settle just yet

When there was no man around he howled with desire

Are you going to play?

I'm not one for waiting, mister.

If you can get here today, I'll wait for you.

I'm a respectful lady, you see?

I could change my mind.

My husband travelled far and I felt like listening to a folk poem.

Won't you recite it?

I'm waiting on you, Mr. Troubadour.

You better walk away, buddy.

Lindolfo Ezequiel has over 50 deaths under his belt,

not counting those he killed before he was a famous hitman.

Man, what did you want me to do?

I've never ran away from a woman. I wasn't about to start.

I'll tell you this: She asked me and I'll say yes.

So, you'll need to fix for your funeral: a coffin and a candle.

Malvira, I'm going to bed, ok?

You can go home, you are dismissed.

Since the captain isn't here you can go home and be with your kids.

Thank you, Mrs. Sabô.

I can't wait to be with them, you know?

But I promise you that I'll be here early in the morning.

No, you don't have to.

Tomorrow I'll sleep in, get plenty of rest, ok?

You can go, girl, don't waste any time.

- Go, friend, go. - See you soon.

Come in, troubadour.

What about the captain?

He'll only be here tomorrow.

Are you sure?

Are you afraid?

Woman, if I had been afraid I would not have come at all.

So what's with all these questions?

I don't want any surprises.

What if the captain finds out about this fooling around?

What will the troubadour do?

If it's up to me I'll solve it there and then.

Man to man.

But I think it's best to remedy the situation, for your convenience.

How will you remedy the harm that's already been done?

Woman, are you calling what we are doing a harm?

I think it's good.

Too good!

And if that devil shows up and wants to listen to it straight

I'll tell him: It's good, it's damn good.

Goodness, you're brave.

What if the captain comes out of thin air,

asks no questions and begins to shoot everything in sight?

On that case, I'll pray and wait for a miracle.

Are you a man of faith?

I'm not talking about a real miracle, in my whole life I've never seen one.

But I've always been lucky, I think the Big Guy up there likes me.

I'm about to prove it.

Prove it, troubadour.

Late in the morning, he was still there, for the lady was needy.

She wanted more and more.

Without reciting one single ballad or poem,

the troubadour showed his strength

and his fire, justifying his fame for being a lady's man

and the many victims he left wherever he went.

The sun was rising in the horizon when Ubaldo left Sabô's house

and went back to his hotel.

It is late.

- Here's the note the lady sent. - Thank you!

"Come soon, troubadour. Tomorrow he'll be back.

You won't miss the chance, will you?

One for the road. Yours entirely, Sabô."

No one ever knew why Cap. Lindolfo Ezequiel changed his mind

and came into Cachoeira

uring the weekly fair's day of the greatest excitement.

We had a long journey today, captain. Can I take a break?

You earned your break, Sapucaia.

But we did a great job dispatching that order, didn't we?

You may go, but don't be late tomorrow.

Good day, Captain. Did you have a nice trip?

At my own expenses.

And your wife, she didn't want to go along?

- How is that your business? - She stayed home, I saw it myself.

Poor thing, she needed some distraction.

How is that?

It's nothing. A young lady,

without malice, your wife nearly never takes walks.

It seems she prefers to have people over.

- Who? - Oh, it's just idle talk.

It must have been a relative.

I'll get him. I'll get him and cut out his dick.

- That's him? - He came early. How can it be?

Oh, you are laughing?

Oh, darling. I didn't even see who it was.

He held me down and raped me...

He... Oh, captain, I didn't ask for it.

Son of a bitch!

Don't cry.

I'm here and I'll wash your honour with the evil doer's blood.

I'll rip out his nuts,

I'll skin him alive, then shoot him on the face once.

No, twice!

Captain!

And so they walked through Cachoeira's fair.

At the front, the troubadour Ubaldo Capadócio.

A little behind him, armed to his teeth, with the gun on his hand

the the sharp knife for gelding pigs.

Behind them, the people, who wanted to see it.

He felt his nuts shiver.

Halfway there, the bird fair, the many cages,

stacked on top of each other, closing the passageway.

And then birds were seen, dozens of them, freed they flew.

They all came together, numberless, from the turtle-doves to blue-jays,

cardinals and hummingbirds, cardinals and thrushes.

And, grasping his light nightdress, lifted Ubaldo Capadócio,

taking him through the air.

A miracle, Jesus, a miracle!

Lindolfo Ezequiel stood in the middle of the square,

where he still stands today, turned into a magnificent hornthree.

The most famous hornstree in all of the northeast, providing craftsman

the material for combs, rings, various objects,

small shot glasses made of horn.

And so the former gunslinger turned into an object of use to the people.

THE END

"The Miracle of the Birds" by Jorge Amado

That's why, for its impatience and thirst for knowledge,

like birds in the desert, the souls seek to drink.

Blessed is he who sows books, by the handful,

and tells people to think.

The book dropping from the soul, It's the seed that grows the palm,

It's the river that fills the sea.

A book in your hand for the book is a weapon

But one that brings about change.