Review of The Given Word

I didn't enjoy this movie. Yes, I understand it is a touching story and yes, I can understand the praises and awards it got (at least the reasons I do). But this is not a pleasant movie. It's harsh to see the one good guy being so badly misunderstood and mistreated. All this man, who is very poor and doesn't bother a soul, is trying to do is simply to keep a promise. What harm would that do to anyone? Despite being ignored the way he is, this man doesn't give up on his promise, such is his loyalty and determination. He tries everything but nothing works. The ending becomes increasingly harder and more depressing. In the end, he is killed and "crucified" like Jesus was.

Leonardo Villar is superb in his acting as this nice, innocent man.

There is some nice Brazilian cinematography and the huge church where the poor man wants to take the big and heavy cross is particularly beautiful.