Nepomuceno, a powerful and wealthy man dies, as the film begins. We know nothing about him, as friends, and his nephew Carlos, gather to pay tribute to his life, as he is laid to rest. Carlos, gets the shock of his life when the will, which comes in the way of a diary read by his attorney, leaves all his wealth to Graca, an illegitimate daughter that lives with her mother in poverty.
In flashbacks we get to know how Nepomuceno went from a poor immigrant boy, from a near by island, to be the richest and most powerful person in all of Mindelo, the prosperous city, the capital of the island of Sao Vicente, in the Cape Verde Islands. Nepomuceno clearly understands how to profit from his boss, who he surprises doing illegal business.
As Nepomuceno becomes rich, his love life, is non existing. He has an illegitimate affair with his housekeeper that produces Graca, who he doesn't recognize, but sends a monthly check to help mother and daughter. He also finds love with a visiting American beauty that doesn't amount to much. The last woman in his life is the ravishingly beautiful Adelia, who is awaiting for her boyfriend to return from abroad.
Francisco Maso, the director of this film takes us on a trip to that beautiful land in the South Atlantic where the story takes place. This idyllic island serves magnificently to the tale of Nepomuceno, the man that loved, but who never found love in return.
The best thing in the film is Nelson Xavier, who appears to be a natural for the title character. Chico Diaz is effective as Carlos the nephew that is passed over in favor of Graca. Maria Ceica makes Graca come alive trying to reconcile herself with the man she thought was a sexual pervert. Finally Karla Leal makes an adorable Adelia. Cesaria Evora, perhaps the best known person from Cape Verde, puts in an appearance as a night club singer.
The film is worth a look thanks to the director and the beautiful island of Sao Vicente.
In flashbacks we get to know how Nepomuceno went from a poor immigrant boy, from a near by island, to be the richest and most powerful person in all of Mindelo, the prosperous city, the capital of the island of Sao Vicente, in the Cape Verde Islands. Nepomuceno clearly understands how to profit from his boss, who he surprises doing illegal business.
As Nepomuceno becomes rich, his love life, is non existing. He has an illegitimate affair with his housekeeper that produces Graca, who he doesn't recognize, but sends a monthly check to help mother and daughter. He also finds love with a visiting American beauty that doesn't amount to much. The last woman in his life is the ravishingly beautiful Adelia, who is awaiting for her boyfriend to return from abroad.
Francisco Maso, the director of this film takes us on a trip to that beautiful land in the South Atlantic where the story takes place. This idyllic island serves magnificently to the tale of Nepomuceno, the man that loved, but who never found love in return.
The best thing in the film is Nelson Xavier, who appears to be a natural for the title character. Chico Diaz is effective as Carlos the nephew that is passed over in favor of Graca. Maria Ceica makes Graca come alive trying to reconcile herself with the man she thought was a sexual pervert. Finally Karla Leal makes an adorable Adelia. Cesaria Evora, perhaps the best known person from Cape Verde, puts in an appearance as a night club singer.
The film is worth a look thanks to the director and the beautiful island of Sao Vicente.