Behind the Sun

Behind the Sun

Year: 2001

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Walter Salles

Drama

A struggling writer, overwhelmed by despair, retreats into a fantastical world to find comfort and escape. There, he discovers solace in the presence of a companion born from his imagination. As he spends more time in this constructed reality, the boundaries between what is real and what is not become increasingly indistinct, forcing him to confront his own internal struggles and the nature of his emotional state.

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Timeline – Behind the Sun (2001)

Trace every key event in Behind the Sun (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Breves Family Struggles

In the year 1910, the Breves family lives in the desolate badlands of Northeast Brazil, grappling with poverty and hardship. This challenging environment shapes the dynamics between the family members and highlights their ongoing blood feud with the Ferreiras, setting the stage for the story.

1910 Badlands of Northeast Brazil
2

The Blood Feud

The Breves and Ferreiras are embroiled in a fierce blood feud, characterized by a relentless cycle of tit-for-tat killings over land. This bitter conflict has persisted for generations, governed by a harsh code revolving around the concept of blood and vengeance.

3

The Murder of Tonho's Brother

The narrative is propelled forward when Tonho's older brother is murdered, pushing him into a deep sense of obligation. Under immense pressure from his father, Tonho takes it upon himself to avenge his brother's death by targeting a son of the Ferreira family.

4

Tonho's Transformation

By avenging his brother's murder, Tonho unknowingly marks himself as the next target in the ongoing feud. This act escalates the cycle of violence and solidifies his role in the family's dark legacy of revenge.

5

Introduction of the Kid

The younger brother of Tonho, simply known as the Kid, becomes a poignant figure in the family dynamic. His lack of a name symbolizes the family's anticipation of loss, yet he remains a beacon of hope through his imaginative spirit and love for his elder brother.

6

Tonho Meets Clara

Tonho's life changes drastically when he meets Clara, a vibrant circus performer who introduces him to a world of dreams beyond the harsh realities of his existence. Their connection sparks a glimmer of happiness amidst the oppressive atmosphere surrounding the Breves family.

Circus
7

Bonding at the Circus

Tonho and the Kid, now called Pacu, visit the circus where Clara performs. This outing deepens the bond between Tonho and Clara, allowing them to share moments of joy and connection that contrast starkly with their troubled home life.

Circus
8

Clara's Departure

As Clara yearns for deeper connections, she decides to leave her stepfather and join Tonho at the farm. Before leaving, she urges Tonho to meet her by the ocean, symbolizing hope and promise amidst despair.

9

The Ferreira's Vengeance

Tragedy strikes when the Ferreiras, seeking vengeance, attack the Breves family. In the ensuing chaos, it is not Tonho who falls, but rather Pacu, whose death becomes a profound blow to the family and intensifies the existing conflict.

10

Demand for Retribution

In the aftermath of Pacu's death, Tonho's father demands that he retrieve his weapon to avenge their loss, emphasizing the unyielding cycle of violence. However, Tonho finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of familial expectations.

11

Tonho Walks Away

Faced with his father's insistence on revenge, Tonho chooses silence and walks away, a decision that infuriates his father. This act of defiance leads to a violent confrontation, showcasing the deep emotional rift within the family amidst the ongoing tragedy.

12

Mother's Intervention

In a pivotal moment, Tonho's mother intervenes during the confrontation, urging that the feud has lost all meaning. Her plea highlights the futility of their situation and suggests the need for reconciliation over revenge.

13

Tonho's Reflection

The film culminates with Tonho standing on a beach, gazing out over the vast sea. In this moment of melancholic wonder, he reflects on the shattered remnants of his past, embodying the emotional toll that family loyalty and revenge have taken on his life.

Beach

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 16:35

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Behind the Sun Summary

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Behind the Sun Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Behind the Sun

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Behind the Sun

More About Behind the Sun

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