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Eusebio is trying to remain in his adopted homeland, a Portuguese colony settled by his grandfather. He is also trying to retain whatever shreds of dignity remain in his increasingly post-colonial environment. This is made all the more difficult when a brother who had left long ago for other regions returns and tries to profit from his misfortunes. Further difficulties include political upheavals and increasingly aggressive creditors out for his remaining property. Nonetheless, aided by his own wry sense of irony, he continues trying to regain Contenda Island. One of the film's highlights is Eusebio's burial of his mother in the old grandee style, in an ocean-buffeted cemetery.