The film tells the story of Cristório, a fisherman from Northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão, who lost his young son when he was killed by jealous husband, during a folklore festival that celebrates the return of a ressurected bull, called Bumba-meu-boi. It is a journey to the heart of deepest Brazil, where it finds the dramatic soul of the Brazilian people.

The Spanish Infanta Carlota Joaquina is promised to D. João VI at the age of 10. Forced to leave for Portugal, Carlota suffers a great disappointment when she meets her promised prince. With the death of D. José, Carlota Joaquina and D. João VI inherit the Portuguese crown. However, frightened by the French Revolution and the approach of Napoleon's army, they decide to flee to their colony: Brazil.