The Brave One

A storm rips across the pasture as Gitano is born. Leonardo, the young son of a cattle herder, takes the calf home and raises him with affection. This early bond between boy and bull sets the stage for a life tied to land, family, and the bull's fate.

Gitano's mother had been presented to Leonardo's father as a gift from the landowner, Don Alejandro, but there is no written deed to prove Gitano's ownership. The lack of documentation leaves Gitano's status uncertain. Leonardo asks Don Alejandro for an assurance in writing.

Leonardo writes to Don Alejandro seeking a deed of gift that confirms Gitano's ownership by his family. The request is complicated by the fact that Alejandro is away in Europe. The letter's journey promises resolution but hinges on the owner's return.

Don Alejandro is in Europe, taking part in car races when Leonardo's request travels toward him. The letter sits in transit for several weeks, delaying any decision about Gitano's fate. The distance between Europe and Mexico complicates the matter further.

While Alejandro is away, his manager brands all young animals with Alejandro's mark, including Gitano. The branding ties Gitano to Alejandro's estate and undermines Leonardo's claim to ownership. The absence of a deed becomes more problematic with every brand mark.

Weeks pass and Leonardo finally receives Don Alejandro's letter along with the deed of gift, confirming Gitano's ownership by Leonardo's family. The document restores hope that Gitano truly belongs to Leonardo's household, if only the timing cooperates. The moment marks a temporary resolution of the dispute.

Years later, Don Alejandro dies in a race, leaving him heavily in debt. His entire estate is put up for auction, including Gitano, especially since the written deed is missing and the branding points to Alejandro. The loss of the deed and the brand conflict seal Gitano's uncertain fate.

Gitano is sold and sent to the bullring in Mexico City, removed from Leonardo's reach. The separation tears at Leonardo as he realizes his bond with the bull is now tested by commerce. The new setting places Gitano under a different master and under the arena's gaze.

Leonardo travels to Mexico City and pleads with the bullring's manager for Gitano's release, but he cannot secure a meeting. Frustration grows as power and bureaucracy block a possible reunion. The boy's perseverance keeps the hope alive despite mounting obstacles.

With few options left, Leonardo appeals to the Mexican president in the palace. The president is moved by the boy's courage and offers a letter endorsing Gitano's release. The endorsement becomes a beacon of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

Leonardo goes back to the bullring with the presidential endorsement, only to find Gitano in the arena already fighting. The crowd's energy shifts as they sense a potential rescue or mercy for the famed bull. The moment blends hope with mounting tension.

The fight unfolds with unusual length as Gitano evades the torero's moves and the crowd pleads for mercy. The arena management grants an Indulto, sparing Gitano from a fatal end. The transformation of the crowd's energy lights the arena with a sea of white handkerchiefs.

Leonardo jumps into the ring toward Gitano as the bull recognizes his master and companion. The two depart the arena peacefully, their bond renewed in a final, humane moment. The conclusion seals a quiet, enduring connection between boy and bull.