AllMovie

Largely filmed in Brazil's arid northeast Seratao region and set during the '20s and '30s, this fascinating dramatic adventure paints a heroic portrait of the exploits of the notorious cangaceiro (Brazilian outlaws and subversives who tormented and robbed government authorities and major landowners for abusing the peasants) Corisco and his lover Dada, a true bandit queen whom he kidnapped and raped when she was only 12. That was long ago and she grew up to be passionately devoted to him. Much of the story centers on the harsh realities of cangaceiro as they stage their raids and constantly flee the law across the unforgiving desert. Their only real joy comes at night when they can dance 'round the campfires and play guitar. The tale continues on through the late '30s when another great bandit leader, Lampiao is beheaded.