A Dog's Will
The lively João Grilo and the sly Chicó are poor guys living in the hinterland who cheat a bunch of people in a small town in Northeastern Brazil. When they die, they have to be judged by Christ, the Devil and the Virgin Mary before they are admitted to paradise.
Critics Sentiment
João tricks the priest into blessing Dora's sick dog
João and others face trial by Devil, Jesus, and Mary
The film drops significantly during the extended afterlife trial sequence where reviewers found the pacing slow and the religious elements less engaging than the earlier comedy.
The film maintains consistently high scores through its brilliant early comedy sequences featuring João's schemes and the romantic subplot. Sentiment peaks during the religious satire and trickery scenes, then dips during the more static afterlife trial sequence before recovering with the redemptive ending. Overall, reviewers praised the authentic cultural setting, outstanding performances, and clever dialogue while noting some pacing issues in the final act.
Full cast
Matheus Nachtergaele
João Grilo
Selton Mello
Chicó
Fernanda Montenegro
Compadecida
Rogério Cardoso
Padre João
Denise Fraga
Dora
Diogo Vilela
Eurico
Luís Melo
Diabo
Virginia Cavendish
Rosinha
Bruno Garcia
Vicentão
Enrique Díaz
Joaquim Brejeiro
Maurício Gonçalves
Jesus Cristo / Emanuel
Aramis Trindade
Cabo 70
Marco Nanini
Severino de Aracaju
Paulo Goulart
Major Antônio Moraes
Lima Duarte
Bispo
Crew
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