Unable to endure the idea that he would go without punishment, a criminal's victim chases him the length and breadth of Brazil for a showdown.

Carlos, a married lawyer, gets involved with one of his clients. But the relationship turns into an obsession. The woman understands she'll never manage to separate Carlos from his wife, and decides to leave him, running away with another man.

In the late 19th century, Jesuíno Brilhante swears to avenge his cousin, the republican and abolitionist Botelho, who was killed by powerful landlords. Government troops and a rival family unite to hunt down Jesuíno, who has assembled his own band of armed men.