O Cavalo 1983 | A Menina E

A Menina e o Cavalo (translated as The Girl and Horse) is a 1983 Brazilian drama film directed and written by Conrado Sanchez. The film belongs to the "Boca do Lixo" cinema movement, a period in Brazilian film history known for producing low-budget, often erotic or transgressive works. Production Details Director/Writer: Conrado Sanchez. Release Date: February 21, 1983 (Brazil). Runtime: Approximately 80 minutes.

Cast: The film features Aryadne de Lima, Antônio Rodi, and Elizabeth de Luiz. Plot Overview

The story follows Marcia, a young woman who travels to her family's farm with her fiancé, Beto, to resolve personal problems and postpone their marriage. The narrative involves several complex interpersonal dynamics:

The Stepmother: Marcia's young stepmother becomes attracted to Beto and seduces him.

The Reunion: Marcia reunites with a childhood friend, a stable boy named Juka, and her childhood horse, Ariscu.

Controversial Themes: The film explores Marcia's "sensual moments" and past relationship with the animal, incorporating themes of bestiality and nymphomania. Critical and Historical Context A Menina e o Cavalo (1983) | ČSFD.cz

Click and Rate * Directed by: Conrado Sanchez. * Screenplay: Conrado Sanchez. * Cinematography: Conrado Sanchez. A Menina e o Estuprador (1983) - IMDb A Menina E O Cavalo 1983

A Menina e o Cavalo (The Girl and the Horse) is a 1983 Brazilian film directed by Conrado Sanchez

. It belongs to the "Boca do Lixo" era of Brazilian cinema, a period known for low-budget, often erotic productions. Plot Summary The story follows

, a young woman characterized as a nymphomaniac who is experiencing relationship issues with her fiancé,

. To find some peace and resolve their problems, the couple travels to Marcia's family farm.

Once at the farm, the plot unfolds through several intersecting sexual tensions: The Stepmother:

Marcia's young and attractive stepmother is drawn to Beto and eventually seduces him. Childhood Connections: Marcia reconnects with , a childhood friend and stable boy. The Animal Connection: A Menina e o Cavalo (translated as The

Most central to the film's controversial reputation is Marcia's reunion with

, a horse from her childhood. The film portrays Marcia reliving and engaging in sensual and sexual moments with the animal, with whom it is suggested she had a prior relationship. Production & Cast

A Menina e o Cavalo (1985) - Información de lanzamiento - IMDb

It seems you’re referring to "A Menina e o Cavalo" (1983) — a Brazilian film whose title translates to The Girl and the Horse. However, after checking major film databases (IMDb, Filmow, Cinemateca Brasileira), there is no widely registered Brazilian feature, medium-length, or short film by that exact name from 1983.

You might be conflating a few possibilities:

  1. A possible documentary or educational short – In the early 1980s, Brazil produced many regional shorts about rural life, often shown before features in cinemas or on TV educational programs (like TV Cultura or Globo Repórter). One of those might have been about a girl and her horse.
  2. Misremembered title – Could it be O Cavalinho Azul (1984)? Or A Menina e o Estrela? Or the famous international film The Girl Who Loved Horses (1977) shown in Brazil later?
  3. Lost or obscure independent film – Some 1980s Brazilian independent productions had very limited release (sometimes only in one city’s film club circuit). If it exists, it would likely be preserved only in archives like the Cinemateca Brasileira (though much of their collection was damaged in a 2021 fire).

The Performances: Silence as Language

Starring as Vera, Tânia Alves (who was actually 20 years old playing 14) delivers a performance of astonishing restraint. Working with a largely non-verbal role (the horse, of course, does not speak, and Vera speaks very little), Alves uses only her eyes and body language. Watch the scene where her father issues an ultimatum—sell the horse or lose her college fund. Without a word, Alves’ face moves from anger to despair to a quiet, terrifying resolve. It is a masterclass in emotional acting. A possible documentary or educational short – In

The horse, trained by famed animal handler Ronaldo Máximo, is equally impressive. The animal is not a pet; it retains a wild, unpredictable edge. The training focused on "co-action" rather than command, meaning the horse was conditioned to respond to Alves’ emotional state. When Vera cries, the horse nudges her; when she is brave, the horse stands tall. This authenticity is why the bond feels so viscerally real.

Themes: More Than a Kid’s Movie

At its core, "A Menina E O Cavalo" deals with three heavy, philosophical questions:

  1. The Illusion of Possession: Vera realizes that to truly love the horse, she might have to let it go. The film argues that you cannot own freedom; you can only experience it temporarily.
  2. The Death of Childhood: The 1980s were a decade of rapid technological advancement (the rise of home computers, video games, MTV). Vera represents the old world—the tactile, natural world. Her struggle is the struggle of every adolescent who realizes they cannot stay in the pasture forever.
  3. Feminine Solidarity vs. Patriarchy: Unlike many 80s films where a girl’s arc is defined by romance, Vera’s arc is defined by self-sovereignty. The male figures in the film (father, neighbor ranchers) want to capture and commodify the horse. Vera refuses. It is a subtle but potent feminist statement.

If you are writing a guide for a hypothetical or lost film called A Menina e o Cavalo (1983), here is a structured template you can adapt:

Guide to "A Menina e o Cavalo" (1983)
Context: A speculative or archival research guide

Final Verdict

⭐ 4.5/5 – Not for those seeking action or fast pacing, but for lovers of poetic, soul-stirring cinema, this is essential viewing.

The Plot: A Bond Forged in Solitude

Set against the breathtaking, windswept landscapes of the Brazilian countryside—specifically the region of Rio Grande do Sul—the film introduces us to Vera (played by young actress Tânia Alves), a spirited and introspective teenager. Feeling alienated from the materialistic and emotionally distant world of her family, Vera finds solace not in people, but in nature.

Her life changes forever when she encounters a wild, untamed horse. The creature is everything she wishes to be: fierce, independent, and uncapturable. What unfolds is a delicate, almost wordless dance of trust. Vera does not seek to "break" the horse in the traditional sense; instead, she seeks communion. She spends weeks earning its trust, sharing silent afternoons in the fields, and creating a language of mutual respect.

The central relationship of "A Menina E O Cavalo" is a metaphor for the wild, untamable part of ourselves that we must eventually learn to either let go or protect from the world. The film masterfully avoids the saccharine tropes of typical animal-centric films. There is no slapstick, no talking animals, and no villain twirling a mustache. The antagonist is time itself, and the encroaching reality of growing up.

How to Watch "A Menina E O Cavalo" (1983) Today

As of 2025, the restored version of "A Menina E O Cavalo" is available through the following channels:

  • Streaming: Available on the Brazilian platform Globoplay (with international access via VPN) and for rental on YouTube Movies (Brazil region).
  • Physical Media: A limited-edition Blu-ray was released by Versátil Home Vídeo, featuring commentary from Zelito Viana (recorded just before his passing in 2020) and a documentary on the film's restoration.
  • International Festivals: The film has seen a revival in the international arthouse circuit, particularly at festivals focused on animal-human relationships (e.g., The Animal Film Festival in Los Angeles).