Quilombo (1984) - full transcript
Palmares is a 17th-century quilombo, a settlement of escaped slaves in northeast Brazil. In 1650, plantation slaves revolt and head for the mountains where they find others led by the aged seer, Acotirene. She anoints one who becomes Ganga Zumba, a legendary king. For years, his warriors hold off Portuguese raiders; then he agrees to leave the mountains in exchange for reservation land and peace. It's a mistake. Zumbi, a warrior whose mother was killed by Portuguese and who spent 15 years with the Whites, stays in the mountains to lead Palmares. In 1694, the Portuguese import a ruthless captain from São Paulo to lead an assault on the free Blacks. Can Zumbi keep Palmares free?
The first Europeans to arrive
in Brazil, in the year 1500,
the Portuguese
brought blacks from Africa
to work as slaves
in sugarcane plantations,
the colony's main wealth.
Absolute masters of the life
and death of their slaves,
white slave owners
made them work without rest,
at the expense of often fatal
punishments and tortures.
Some slaves, however,
managing to escape
hid in the virgin
interior of the country,
where they formed free
communities called Quilombos.
Of these, the most famous
was the Quilombo dos Palmares,
founded in the late
16th century,
in the mountains
of northeastern Brazil.
In Brazil
A black Eldorado grew
In Brazil
When freedom's sun
flashed through
There glowed
A light divine,
Olorun's fiery sun
It showed
Utopia, one for all
and all for one
Quilombo
All built white saints
dispelled all fears
Quilombo
Washed in the water
of so many tears
Quilombo
Built of love and toil untiring
Quilombo
Even now our hearts inspiring
In Brazil
A black Eldorado grew
1650 - A Sugar mill, Pernambuco,
during the Luso-Dutch War.
You can turn it till blood
comes out of his mouth,
by tightening the ring
for the digestive system.
Thus the slave will receive
due punishment,
without danger to his life
or his ability...
to work, and so protects...
his master's property.
What happened? Is he dead?
He couldn't do that to me!
Miss Olimpia...
Your husband says
a Dutch officer has arrived...
So you should clean up
the house.
Dutchmen in Santa Rita?
In my house?
André!
- Where are you going?
- Your mother's calling!
I want to see these Dutchmen.
Come on!
André!
Go after him, Gongoba!
André!
You're crazy!
He was killing Aroroba.
I wasn't going to let him
beat him to death.
You're new around here.
You've just arrived in
Santa Rita...
You don't know how much
you'll suffer for what you did.
We could... run away.
Run where?
I want to die.
I'd rather die...
I'm going to...
No... not die...
Somebody's coming!
If we got together...
I need more slaves
here in Santa Rita.
If you'd sell me
your prisoners...
I can't.
They're the Governor's.
Dandara! Liquor!
How many men did you
take up the mountains?
- 200? 300?
- More or less.
But Captain...
what an amazing failure!
Father!
There should be
some niggers here.
Dandara! Call the foremen,
quick!
They can't do this to me.
Dandara, my sword!
The news will get out soon.
We have to get away quick.
Where to?
To the sea... back to our home.
I was born here.
This is my home.
Africa's too far away.
Right. We came from Palmares
and we'll go back there.
You can come with us
if you'd like.
Palmares!
The land of free men.
Where black men run,
who don't want to be slaves.
We have to go to Palmares.
I'm going home,
across the sea.
I'll cross the sea.
If you want, come with me!
Aroroba...
I think I'll go with them.
Ibuku ale si alafia ni.
Talk white man's language
so we can understand.
He wished us a night
full of blessings.
Stop it!
Stop it!
Enough! One must stay alive!
To tell the others
what he saw here.
Gongoba! Come on!
Pharaoh let Moses leave
with his people...
in search of the Promised Land.
As soon as Moses had left,
Pharaoh regretted it,
and sent his army after
the Jews into the desert.
When the Jews arrived
at the Red Sea,
God divided the waters...
and the Jews passed over
on dry land.
But when the Egyptians
tried to follow them,
God sent the waters back
and they were all drowned...
Come on... inside!
I'm unarmed.
We need help.
We, who?
- We need food and shelter.
- And salt.
To take with us.
My wife will get you
something to eat...
and salt to take with you.
We don't have much,
but enough to share.
The drums of Palmares...
Why don't you go to Palmares
Must be better
than staying here alone.
I'm not alone.
Anyway, this is
my piece of land.
I mean...
it's not mine,
but no one would want so little.
If the owner turns up,
I'll have to look
for another piece of land.
Brazil is very big.
You can stay here forever.
You needn't move your family.
You give
what Palmares hasn't got.
So Palmares will give you
what you need.
With Palmares beside you,
no landowner
will throw you out.
Acotirene may not like it.
Acotirene?
Acotirene controls Palmares.
So we'll take him to talk
to Acotirene.
Take a white man to Palmares?
Acotirene won't like it.
It's a boy...
The child opens its eyes
to the Earth
Father of Heaven
Look at this child
Protect this child
Father
Bless him every day
It's Terencio.
Acotirene's sent for us.
Palmares...
Palmares!
Acotirene was expecting you.
How did Acotirene know
I was coming?
Why did you bring
a foreigner to Palmares?
We are also foreigners here.
A land where everybody
is foreign.
Many people live
in the valley like me.
They can help...
if you help them.
When the war is over...
they'll try to destroy Palmares.
We must take advantage
of this war to grow...
and make Palmares stronger.
So they will prefer
to make peace with us.
Palmares must grow.
So we don't even have
to negotiate with them.
Beware the enemy's smile.
When you see the enemy's
face up close,
the heart softens,
and your blow
will not be so hard.
Acotirene knows
the ancient truths,
and leads the people
of Palmares with kindness.
But Acotirene fears
the new truths...
and this is not good
for Palmares.
Xango is his creator
who hovers over him...
That is the way
of the young.
Xango speaks...
You are the chosen one.
You are Ganga Zumba.
No, Acotirene...
I'm just Abiola...
son of the King of the Arda.
I come from a far-off land.
Ganga Zumba...
I was lion hunting near
my village when they caught me.
They sold me to the white men
as a slave.
That's how I came here...
to my new land.
Ganga Zumba...
It's time to go back
to the forest.
Acotirene will return
to the forest.
But he leaves the new blood
Palmares needs.
Acotirene leaves Ganga Zumba.
The Gods sent you
through Xango...
to govern Palmares
in this new era.
I'm frightened.
Am I able to?
Don't go, Acotirene.
Stay, mother, stay...
Hear your people...
Think again, Acotirene.
Acotirene!
Xango, my father!
Five years later
Hail, Oh Earth,
Great God, Great Earth.
All give thee honor...
...roast the beans
until you get a coarse powder.
Then infuse them.
It's very good for fevers,
To give energy
when your chest is weak
you must do this...
My dear little grandson...
give Granny a kiss.
To give energy
when your chest is weak,
take houseleek juice,
and drink it with honey.
If you hurt yourself
in the forest,
take a castor-oil plant...
crush it well,
and apply it to the wound.
The wound will heal.
If we catch one of them alive,
at least we won't return
to Bahia penniless.
We're at the mountains,
near Palmares.
So? Are you scared?
There are only kids there.
But the adults
won't be far away.
We finished off the Dutch army.
We can't be scared
of a bunch of niggers.
"Ia"...
Mother!
"Oba"...
King!
- And what's "food"?
- "Onje"!
Just keep very quiet.
Don't try anything.
Let's go! You're all
under arrest! Come on!
Pepper!
Go on!
- Me?
- Yes.
Damn...
I've got to take one.
No... No!
My son!
Get out of my way, dammit!
You sure he has no master?
Examine him.
You'll see he has
no brand of ownership.
How much do you want?
Your blessing, Father.
God bless you.
Tell me something.
Who gives the orders here?
Why?
The Governor
of Pernambuco State...
sent us to exterminate
the negroes of Palmares.
It will be hard.
Father, announce we need...
food and men,
a lot of men
to go up into the mountains.
Those who come will be granted
land in the mountains.
And plenty of slaves
to work there.
Thanks, but I know that one...
Ring the bells, Father.
Tell the village that
all who present themselves...
will have their crimes forgiven,
and vagrants will avoid
being arrested.
You give me the money
for the boy later, Father.
Strange...
very strange.
Where's this guide taking us?
Is it here?
No, not yet.
The men must be hungry.
There's food farther on.
Pineapple!
Hey, come here! Run!
This war of yours
doesn't concern me.
I'm from Bahia.
What's this?
Kawo kabiesile! Ee!
Who's that?
That's Ganga Zumba.
Everybody's heard about him.
"Saure", my Ganga Zumba!
Spy! Traitor!
They've killed Gongoba,
but I want my godson
in my arms again.
Palmares will grow and wait
for him, for he will return.
He will be the sun for us.
Fifteen years later
The comet is a knife
that divides
White prophet announces
the end of planet Earth
Hunger, drought, plague,
smallpox, death
Four-fold devil
The comet of the plague of 1664!
The comet
is a knife that divides
For the black people it is
welcome, blessed, beautiful
It joins earth to heaven,
abundance to feast
Star to forest
The beautiful comet of 1664
Your wife brought you here,
Manuel,
because you've always lived
as a good Christian.
Be a good Christian
until you die.
"Domine, exaudi orationem meam!"
"Et... et... "
"Et clamor meus ad te veniat."
"Dominus vobiscum".
Your Latin, Father...
serves for life...
but not for my death.
"Et cum spiritu teo..."
Francisco...
With the plague here,
better stay in at night.
Francisco...
Can't you hear me?
You're too far away.
They were crossing
the mountains...
and they asked
to see Ganga Zumba.
Where are they going?
To the other side
to find the Land-without-Evil.
Where's that?
No one knows.
I'll just keep on walking...
until a sign appears
that we're there.
Maybe this is the sign,
brother...
There are plenty of niggers
for us to catch!
Everyday! Let's go!
Get on with it!
Keep carrying!
No slacking!
There are runaways there...
Plenty of runaways...
Runaways there...
Didn't I tell you not to eat?
What did I say? Come on!
No slacking there!
There are runaways there...
Runaways there...
Dance, Namba, dance...
Who are you?
I'm tired.
Very tired.
You came up all this way?
It's safer.
But no one's done it before.
Ganga Zumba...
Want to talk to him?
I can take you to him.
Hes my friend.
Ganga Zumba...
Namba... It's him.
I'm certain.
It's him, Namba.
He's come back!
Acaiuba! He's back!
I can't believe it's you!
Come, Acotirene,
lady of the secret
Priestess that calls Ganga Zumba
Offers you the throne of plenty
All beauty
and the throne of the amulets
Springs and more springs
Pots and more pots
Heaven on earth is Aruanda
Thus is Palmares
Palms in the air
Sing and dance
and open the ring
Let go my corn, woman!
That corn's mine!
Whoever needs it, takes it.
They took it
from my piece of land!
I never heard anyone say,
"My piece of wind".
Or "My piece of cloud".
What is the world's
is the world's.
Since the land is nobody's,
whatever it produces
belongs to everyone.
We could play with our feet.
I heard you were here.
Dandara!
Dandara!
I saw you being born...
Like some tea?
It's really Chinese.
Who's this?
Captain Fernão Carrilho
at your service.
Like some tea?
- What does he want?
- To speak to Ganga Zumba.
Speak.
I don't think
you're Ganga Zumba.
- Same thing.
- No, it isn't.
I want to speak to the king.
I have a proposal to make.
To Ganga Zumba.
Tell him...
Tell him
how behaved with you...
Captain Carrilho could have
destroyed the village...
and advanced on your capital.
He could have destroyed
all of Palmares...
with his military strength!
But I prefer peace...
with Ganga Zumba.
The mill owners pay me
to wage war on Palmares.
But I prefer peace.
What do you get out of it?
A small part of the silver
and gold stolen from the mills,
from travelers and churches.
None of it is any use
to you here.
Do you accept?
No. As I understand it...
the mill owners
pay you to wage war...
and we pay you not to.
Right?
Peace is priceless!
So I reckon I should receive
twice for such good deeds.
- Good, but risky.
- Which increases the value.
We give you gold. What do
you give us?
- Peace!
- Arms.
Leave some weapons here.
And ammunition.
You could tell your bosses you
lost some arms in the war.
Fine.
Let's start with this...
They want to stay.
- Stay where?
- In Palmares!
What are you going to do
in Palmares?
I learnt how to make bread
with the Dutch.
You take sugar, milk, almonds,
barley flour...
and mix and mix.
"Oh Muse, speak of the
wise man..."
"Who after he had destroyed
the city of Troy..."
"Wandered through many
a place..."
"And knew their peoples..."
"And their customs..."
That's Homer in the original.
I know a little Greek.
Rui, now it's your turn.
What you know is of no use.
We can do what we are taught,
No! Not you!
I want to stay too.
Look at your hands.
They are so delicate.
What can you do in Palmares?
If you don't let us stay,
it's because you're
the same as they are.
She's mine!
Ana belongs to me!
He saved her life
when we drove back the Dutch.
The people in Recife tried
to lynch the heretics friends.
She was contracted
by the Dutch...
to liven up
their nights in Recife.
So she should serve
whoever she owes her life to.
What about the war, Captain?
Excuse me while I order
my men to start the war.
War?
Tomorrow the mill owners...
must see signs of a war
on the mountains.
Captain...
We need something else
as well as the weapons.
No!
So we managed to destroy
3 cities of Palmares...
with only 4
insignificant losses.
And we finished off
about 2.000 negro rebels.
3.000.
Thanks to our brave Captain
who in one battle alone...
beheaded 200 blacks is one go!
No need to exaggerate,
150's fine.
The mill owners!
Cover all this...
and wait for me here.
I'll see to them.
You come with me!
It's him...
Well, well...
what a nice surprise!
I wasn't expecting a welcome.
I am pleased to announce
that our mission was successful.
We have exterminated
all subversion in Palmares.
We lost a servant,
3 men and some arms.
But we know we have done
our duty.
Tell them... Go on!
Where are the prisoners?
Prisoners?
Let's go up the mountain.
Before paying you
what we owe, Captain...
we should like to see
the ruins of Palmares.
Captain Carrilho!
Acaiuba!
Run! Run!
Run, you devil!
Get then both live!
Where's Ana, you dog?
You know these niggers well,
don't you?
I'm a specialist
in their tactics.
No, not like that.
That one you killed,
for example...
He spoke to you
like a friend.
Like a friend?
So I'm a friend of niggers?
Captain Carrilho...
You're under arrest!
He goes on to a new life
We bid our farewells
The great hunter
comes to fetch him
We bid him farewell
on his way to a new life
Leave him alone.
Acaiuba...
They killed the bravest.
The purest.
The best of our brothers.
Will no one pay for this?
I should pay.
Ganga Zumba...
My time has come.
Let me avenge Acaiuba.
Give me permission...
to fight for him.
"Ogun Ogunhe!"
"Ogun protect thy son, and teach
him the secrets of war."
"Look after him every day."
"Protect this body of his."
"When he goes to war..."
"Bless thy son."
"Not to fear."
Ogun Ogunhe!
Send thy greatest warriors...
from the vale of death
to protect thy son.
Teach thy son
the wisdom of war!
You are no longer nobody.
You are your people!
You are born again,
and your Father Ogun bids you
be called Zumbi Alakijade,
to whom the colors of war
were given.
You are Zumbi,
who never dies!
Zumbi...
"Saure!" Zumbi dos Palmares!
"Saure!"
"Saure!" Zumbi dos Palmares!
Zumbi, warrior and commander
Ogun-ie, chief blacksmith
Overlord of my being
Send freedom
Into my heart
I'm free!
Thank you, good Jesus!
Thank you, Zumbi of Palmares!
My sword showers
the sun of war
Hacks forest, sweeps heaven,
through Earth tore
Black delight
that warriors crave
Maracatu
Maculele, and young men brave
My sword spreads
the sun of fighting
My quilombo
all the mountains lighting
Like fans, and the dancing
Of the samba leader
the twists and turns
of "capoeira"
You needn't be afraid.
But what you're been spreading
is only fear.
"Et clamor meus..."
"ad te veniat".
"Dominus vobiscum".
"Et cum spiritu tue."
Francisco...
That's not my name, Father.
I am Zumbi of Palmares.
I came to give you this back.
Thank you...
I didn't eat the basket of
food.
There was something else you
forgot...
No, I didn't forget.
It just wasn't any use to me.
Unless I took it
from the other end.
Black delights
that warriors crave
Brazil, my own Brazil
My great sanctuary
My cradle and nation
Zumbi, protector,
guard and patron
Send freedom
Into my breast
Dandara!
Recife, Dandara!
Take Recife, Zumbi.
You're reached it.
Now it's easy to go in.
If I enter their capital...
even as a conqueror,
I will have to do
what they do.
If we take Recife, Dandara...
we'll end up with slaves,
like them.
I called you...
because I have received
a letter from the Governador...
on behalf
of the King of Portugal,
asking me to go to Recife
to discuss peace.
There it is.
Ana read it for me.
That's treachery!
On whose part?
Peace. Zumbi is concerned
with victory in war.
We need some time without war.
To grow...
so Palmares becomes invincible.
I'll go to Recife.
I'll see what they want from us.
"Ganga Zumba undertakes
to leave the mountains...
with all his people,
and settle to the north, in
the Cucaú valley,
which is granted to him by
the Portuguese Crown.
Those who accompany him,
and all those born there,
will be considered free men,
subjects of the King of
Portugal.
But the inhabitants
of Cucaú will undertake...
not to accept runaway slaves
from city or mill...
and will return them
to their rightful owners."
Ameri... what?
America.
America...
America...
"No free inhabitant of Cucaú...
is allowed to leave the valley
for any reason,
under penalty of arrest
and return to captivity.
So?
What's there is what was agreed?
So...
we are agreed?
Don't accept, Ganga Zumba.
If you give way now,
you'll always give way.
Why not give way?
Knowing when is a feature
of great kings!
Tell me something...
don't I know you from somewhere?
You mean...
from some brothel in Recife?
Ganga Zumba thinks you could
be a friend of slaves...
We are not slaves
and will never be again!
Cucaú is not ours.
It's being given,
so can be taken back.
We must stay here
in the mountains!
I'm staying here!
If we stay here...
this war will never end.
One day the whites will come...
and destroy Palmares.
Everyone here
from the villages...
knows the whites...
are very strong...
because they have
already seen...
their attacks before now.
Even so, Palmares is still here!
Palmares is still here!
The time hadn't come.
The time hadn't come.
The whites have more men
and more arms.
Time only increases their power.
They were nice to us in Recife.
We must be patient,
and have time to grow,
and make peace
so we can be free,
and never,
never be slaves again!
He who becomes a slave again
is afraid of dying.
I fetched Acaiuba's remains...
so Ganga Zumba
may remember who kills...
and who dies.
This is what happens...
when you become friends
with the enemy.
How can we be friends
of the white man?
If their happiness
depends on our enslavement?
Zumbi is right!
Zumbi is wrong!
They promised us...
that if we went to Cucaú...
the war would stop,
and the King of Portugal...
would give us freedom forever.
The King cannot give me
what is mine!
The King cannot give me
what is mine!
Ganga Zumba' right!
Zumbi, you are leading
your people to disaster!
Each one will choose.
Ibualama from Andalaquituxe!
The people of Andalaquituxe
love Ganga Zumba,
but won't leave Palmares.
Tite from Dambranga!
In Dambranga Ganga Zumba
will always be king,
but we want to stay.
Lua from Subupira!
In our village, Subupira,
no one will go to Cucaú.
Teodoro from Cerca das Tabocas!
We of Cerca das Tabocas...
feel that the war must end
in victory for Palmares!
Katambo from Amaro!
Ganga Zumba's heart
has softened with time.
Ganga Zumba's head is weak.
Katambo!
We from Amaro think
that Zumbi is right.
Zumbi is right.
I gave my word to the Governor.
Zumbi's right, Ganga Zumba.
But I'll go with you to Cucaú.
Is it Cucaú, Ganga Zumba?
It's Cucaú!
All pots break,
all beads scatter
All graces shatter
Ganga Zumba climbs down
the mountain tall
Deep inside a taste of gall
to quell his anger...
Zumbi's stayed in the mountain
with his people.
He has not fulfilled
the agreement.
Ganga Zumba's not responsible
for Zumbi.
The Recife agreement
talks of the blacks.
As for the white people,
they must prove they owe
nothing to Portuguese law.
The white people
and indians are our brothers.
They are the same.
We won't fight over trifles.
We are friends now, right?
You'd better convince
Zumbi to come,
because if he doesn't...
there can be no peace.
Ah, I was forgetting...
On behalf of the Governor
of Pernambuco State...
welcome to Cucaú... friends!
The Captain's closed
the valley.
As if we were his prisoners.
That's what we are.
It's Zumbi's fault.
If he'd come...
We must send someone
to talk to him.
He won't come.
I know.
We have to leave here, and now.
But for that, we need him.
Leave here?
What is Ganga Zumba
going to say...
to those who followed him here?
No. We stay here.
And we'll force Zumbi to come.
We are the white man's
friends now.
They are our friends.
Xango no longer hovers
over Ganga Zumba's head.
Xango has left me...
Salé will betray us.
Salé is right.
I made them come here.
Now the people are divided,
and it is my fault.
Only Ganga Zumba
can change things.
I know! I know!
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow night
I shall need your help, Ana.
I got your message.
What do you want?
Why the sword, Captain?
You don't need it here.
You never know.
We've already met once when,
without a sword,
things would have been
different.
In Recife?
No. Long before.
My name is André Tourinho.
I was the youngest
of the man from Santa Rita.
So, what do you want from me?
The boy...
Aroroba saved your life once.
I don't know if I can again.
I don't know if I can
save yours, Ganga Zumba.
Don't you realize
your life is in my hands?
And that it is
worth nothing now?
I know...
That I know...
"Emu..."
Palm wine.
The rest of what we brought
from Palmares.
Namba, call the people.
- What for?
- What for?
Go, Namba! Call Salé
and the people... quickly!
"Emu..."
From the mountains...
From Palmares!
Ganga Zumba's dying!
Ganga Zumba's been poisoned!
He's poisoned Ganga Zumba!
Not me...
Salé, my brother...
Do you see?
They are not our friends...
Take the people back, Salé.
Take them back to Palmares.
Ganga Zumba's dying!
He's dying!
The whites are surrounding
the valley,
but if you take them
by surprise,
perhaps some of ours will die,
but most will get through.
Quick, break through the circle.
He did it himself, didn't he?
The people of Palmares
are no longer divided.
The people of Palmares
are united again!
Go away! Go away!
Let's go! Ganga Zumba
has ordered it!
Let's go back to the mountains!
"Saure", Ana de Ferro!
Namba lie down for Ganga
Look into each other's eyes
Namba lie down for Ganga
Kiss the mouth
Namba lie down for Ganga
Legs in the air
Iaia Namba is Ganga's
Beautiful home
Ganga's woman
Namba... woman... home...
Ganga's Namba...
woman... home...
11 years later
Zumbi said...
"You only become a slave
if you're afraid of dying".
Zumbi is stronger
than everything.
With him,
Palmares will last forever.
Domingos Jorge Velho?
My name is Bernardo
Vieira de Mello.
The Governor asked me
to greet you.
Domingos Jorge Velho
has come from São Paulo,
contracted by the Governor
on behalf of the King.
They want to put an end
to Palmares.
He is in Pernambuco State...
waiting for the army promised
by the Portuguese.
The King has decreed
that Palmares and Zumbi...
are the greatest shame
for the Colony,
and has authorized men...
and resources to be brought...
from wherever necessary.
They will wipe you out,
whatever the cost.
Is that why you're leaving?
I can't come here anymore.
They are arresting
and sending to Lisbon...
any white man who negotiates
with Palmares.
Even landowners under
suspicion lose their land.
You won't miss...
the information
I've been giving you.
Everyone knows that Zumbi...
has a circle of spies
among the slaves...
in the mills and towns.
I'm going to disappear...
and go to the south.
They say there's gold
in Minas Gerais.
You needn't run away.
No one will conquer Palmares.
The Portuguese will give
Domingos Jorge Velho...
the largest and strongest
army ever seen in Brazil.
- Canons...
- Canons?
Six barrels.
How did you know?
What use are canons
against Palmares?
We leave the villages...
hide in the forest,
and attack by surprise...
His army could destroy
all the forest!
He could destroy everything!
If he asked for canon...
that's because he intends
to destroy our capital first.
He knows he doesn't need
so much for the villages.
So we must get Zumbi
out of here quickly.
No.
If you are our friend...
do us one favor
before you leave.
Spread around we are going
to stay here and wait.
I don't think you'd...
Take him back to the valley.
Katambo... Lua.
Get all the people
into the capital.
From now on
everyone is a warrior.
All must be trained.
Even the women and children.
The only ones to stay
in the villages...
are these who defend
the plantations.
Let's get ourselves ready.
We're going to stay here
waiting for him?
No, Teodoro. Not you.
You take our best warriors
to Boqueirão da Serra...
and hide there,
and wait for the order
to attack from the rear...
when they are
attacking the town.
But how can we resist the canon?
We will.
It's good they are bringing
so much armament.
Their defeat will be
so much the greater.
No white soldier will be brave
enough to come here again.
One day we have to fight
the last battle in this war.
Zumbi hasn't asked the people
if they went this.
I can't force them
to be like me.
But I can make them do
what's best for them.
Unwilling people
lose their imagination.
People without imagination
are no use at all.
Not even in war.
I am the king. A king must act,
or he is not king.
Ganga Zumba was king too.
Teodoro!
Take the warriors away!
Wait for the order.
Katambo will stirrup the people.
Zumbi must take him prisoner,
before he betrays...
I know.
Let's prepare the city
to face Domingos Jorge Velho!
January 1694
My God!
Dandara...
Pray, Dandara...
Pray for us...
My sword spreads
the sun of fighting
My Quilombo
all the mountains lighting
Like fans and the dancing
of the samba leader
The twists and turns
of "capoeira".
As canons explode
and firearms rattle
In each respite
in the endless battle
I'll sing...
I'll sing and sing and sing.
Black joy is the joy
that warriors bring...
Looks deserted...
But it isn't.
- What's this?
- Let's advance.
No, it's dangerous.
We don't know...
Fire, then.
- It's too far.
- Fire!
Look what I've brought you,
Zumbi of Palmares!
Fire!
Six barrels!
Come on, Domingos Jorge Velho!
I'm waiting!
The shots
aren't reaching the wall!
Let's advance!
Advance! Advance!
Let's advance!
Let's go! Forward!
Halt!
Wait a moment.
Let's go on!
If we go on, we'll fall
into other traps.
Those who reach the walls
will be massacred.
You must retreat!
You must save our men!
We must save our canon!
We've already lost 2!
Zumbi was prepared.
Someone warned him
we had canons.
Zumbi...!
Zumbi of Palmares!
If they advance further,
we can finish them off
from up on the wall,
when they get really close.
But they've retreated.
They've stopped attacking.
They haven't given up.
They'll go on trying.
That's what Zumbi said.
Tomorrow, at daybreak...
they'll try again,
and we'll go on letting them...
until there are
only a few left...
who'll die of hunger
or exhaustion.
Then we'll tell Teodoro...
to attack and...
not one will be left alive.
So no will ever have
courage to come here again...
to attack Palmares.
Katambo should be here
to see this.
You had him imprisoned.
Now have him set free.
I can't.
Katambo is your friend.
He's like a brother...
But I can't, Dandara.
Zumbi, Tité is calling you.
Zumbi!
Zumbi of Palmares! Look!
They are our slaves.
One of them must have told you
of the canon.
It must have been them!
Look at your spies, Zumbi!
Fire!
This Domingos Jorge Velho...
He's not like the others.
Acotirene, my mother...
Did you send for me?
Palmares is eternal.
Palmares will never end...
Never!
Acotirene...
Acotirene...
Who's singing?
Aren't you a sleep?
What time is it?
It's late. Or early.
Soon it will be daybreak.
What's the use
of what you're doing?
No use.
What's the use of war?
The mist protects the town.
Until daybreak,
our enemies won't even
be able to see the walls
I can use it...
to get the traps remade.
I must get some men to do it.
Know something?
I've always wanted to know why
some people like to give orders.
I am Zumbi of Palmares.
I know.
What were you singing?
No, no... not like that.
The mist...
protects the town.
But it can also help
Domingos Jorge Velho.
Has that noise
been going on for long?
We thought they were
taking away the dead.
They're here.
Quite close.
Like people working...
building something...
If it's what I'm thinking...
tomorrow morning the canons
will reach the town.
What can they be building?
A palisade...
A fence around the walls.
Tomorrow, at daybreak,
when the mist rises,
they can fire
the canons from up close.
The fence will protect them.
What will we do?
Give the alarm.
Wake the town up.
Go to Boqueirão da Serra...
and tell Teodoro to attack.
We'll leave the town
and attack from the front.
If Teodoro arrives in time,
from the rear.
We'll close in...
before they destroy the walls.
Will this work?
Yes.
The canon will reach the walls
with this fence.
We'll attack at daybreak.
As soon as the mist rises.
Cold, huh?
Reminds me of São Paulo.
I'd like to live here.
Live here?
When this war's over...
Domingos Jorge Velho
will stay here...
on land in Palmares.
Or where Palmares was.
That's impossible.
This land is promised
to the mill owners.
And to Portuguese nobility.
The King can't give land to...
to mere... to...
Look here, my friend.
We came a long way
from a very poor land.
We are tired of scrabbling
through forest...
killing niggers and indians
just to make you rich.
Domingos Jorge Velho
is getting old...
He needs some land to rest on.
Anyway, if he lives here
it will be safer for you.
Think of that!
After the war,
you'll be his neighbors!
That won't happen.
Prepare the canons!
But the palisade isn't ready.
You can't see anything, anyway.
Weren't we waiting for daybreak?
The mist is rising.
Zumbi know we're here.
Zumbi says to attack
the palisade!
Before they can use the canons!
Don't let them use the canons!
Fire! Fire!
The wall's been hit, Zumbi!
They're trying to get in.
Tell Tité to set Katambo free.
We'll need everybody.
Lua, you...
look after Dandara.
Don't let anyone hurt her.
Lets defend the town.
Teodoro's on his way.
Zumbi of Palmares!
Slaughter the niggers!
Don't leave one alive!
After living in Palmares,
none of them
will make good slaves!
Zumbi of Palmares!
Acotirene, Acotirene!
Didn't you say Palmares
was eternal?
Where's your power, Acotirene?
Ganga Zumba...
My Ganga...
We'll never be slaves again.
Never.
Katambo!
Katambo, my brother.
The canons
are destroying the city.
Zumbi must get out of here!
No, we'll stay together
until the end.
Zumbi of Palmares.
Teodoro...
You arrived, Teodoro.
We must get him
out of here soon!
No use resisting.
You have no way out.
Surrender.
We haven't found his body.
- Whose?
- Zumbi's.
The war is over.
Let's go.
What about Zumbi?
We've destroyed Palmares.
We have nothing else
to do here.
You're wrong.
While Zumbi is alive,
Palmares will live.
Who said he's still alive?
Domingos Jorge Velho
will stay here.
To make sure!
Acotirene told me...
that Palmares was eternal.
That it would never end.
Acotirene can't be wrong.
Long time since Teodoro left...
He went to see...
there was any village
still resisting,
so we could take Zumbi
there in safety.
He's a long time because
there are soldiers everywhere.
Must be hard to get through.
Lua...
Tité...
Katambo...
All dead?
You hungry, Zumbi?
I am.
If only I could find some fruit.
Go over there.
There's bananas and breadfruit.
Take your spear.
You may need it.
No.
I won't.
Teodoro gave me a knife.
Where did I put it?
It's there.
There!
What's your name?
Mine? Camuanga.
"Saure", Camuanga!
"Saure", Zumbi dos Palmares!
Teodoro...
You took a long time.
Forgive me...
They tortured me.
Run, Zumbi... run!
I give you back your spear,
so it won't fall into
enemy hands...
"Ogun-ie!"
Camuanga became leader of the
Palmares resistance until 1704,
when he was killed in battle
with the Portuguese.
Other warriors
took his place in battle.
The Colonial forces
never managed...
to exterminate
Palmares completely.
Resistance in the area
was last heard of in 1797,
more than a century
after the death of Zumbi.
in Brazil, in the year 1500,
the Portuguese
brought blacks from Africa
to work as slaves
in sugarcane plantations,
the colony's main wealth.
Absolute masters of the life
and death of their slaves,
white slave owners
made them work without rest,
at the expense of often fatal
punishments and tortures.
Some slaves, however,
managing to escape
hid in the virgin
interior of the country,
where they formed free
communities called Quilombos.
Of these, the most famous
was the Quilombo dos Palmares,
founded in the late
16th century,
in the mountains
of northeastern Brazil.
In Brazil
A black Eldorado grew
In Brazil
When freedom's sun
flashed through
There glowed
A light divine,
Olorun's fiery sun
It showed
Utopia, one for all
and all for one
Quilombo
All built white saints
dispelled all fears
Quilombo
Washed in the water
of so many tears
Quilombo
Built of love and toil untiring
Quilombo
Even now our hearts inspiring
In Brazil
A black Eldorado grew
1650 - A Sugar mill, Pernambuco,
during the Luso-Dutch War.
You can turn it till blood
comes out of his mouth,
by tightening the ring
for the digestive system.
Thus the slave will receive
due punishment,
without danger to his life
or his ability...
to work, and so protects...
his master's property.
What happened? Is he dead?
He couldn't do that to me!
Miss Olimpia...
Your husband says
a Dutch officer has arrived...
So you should clean up
the house.
Dutchmen in Santa Rita?
In my house?
André!
- Where are you going?
- Your mother's calling!
I want to see these Dutchmen.
Come on!
André!
Go after him, Gongoba!
André!
You're crazy!
He was killing Aroroba.
I wasn't going to let him
beat him to death.
You're new around here.
You've just arrived in
Santa Rita...
You don't know how much
you'll suffer for what you did.
We could... run away.
Run where?
I want to die.
I'd rather die...
I'm going to...
No... not die...
Somebody's coming!
If we got together...
I need more slaves
here in Santa Rita.
If you'd sell me
your prisoners...
I can't.
They're the Governor's.
Dandara! Liquor!
How many men did you
take up the mountains?
- 200? 300?
- More or less.
But Captain...
what an amazing failure!
Father!
There should be
some niggers here.
Dandara! Call the foremen,
quick!
They can't do this to me.
Dandara, my sword!
The news will get out soon.
We have to get away quick.
Where to?
To the sea... back to our home.
I was born here.
This is my home.
Africa's too far away.
Right. We came from Palmares
and we'll go back there.
You can come with us
if you'd like.
Palmares!
The land of free men.
Where black men run,
who don't want to be slaves.
We have to go to Palmares.
I'm going home,
across the sea.
I'll cross the sea.
If you want, come with me!
Aroroba...
I think I'll go with them.
Ibuku ale si alafia ni.
Talk white man's language
so we can understand.
He wished us a night
full of blessings.
Stop it!
Stop it!
Enough! One must stay alive!
To tell the others
what he saw here.
Gongoba! Come on!
Pharaoh let Moses leave
with his people...
in search of the Promised Land.
As soon as Moses had left,
Pharaoh regretted it,
and sent his army after
the Jews into the desert.
When the Jews arrived
at the Red Sea,
God divided the waters...
and the Jews passed over
on dry land.
But when the Egyptians
tried to follow them,
God sent the waters back
and they were all drowned...
Come on... inside!
I'm unarmed.
We need help.
We, who?
- We need food and shelter.
- And salt.
To take with us.
My wife will get you
something to eat...
and salt to take with you.
We don't have much,
but enough to share.
The drums of Palmares...
Why don't you go to Palmares
Must be better
than staying here alone.
I'm not alone.
Anyway, this is
my piece of land.
I mean...
it's not mine,
but no one would want so little.
If the owner turns up,
I'll have to look
for another piece of land.
Brazil is very big.
You can stay here forever.
You needn't move your family.
You give
what Palmares hasn't got.
So Palmares will give you
what you need.
With Palmares beside you,
no landowner
will throw you out.
Acotirene may not like it.
Acotirene?
Acotirene controls Palmares.
So we'll take him to talk
to Acotirene.
Take a white man to Palmares?
Acotirene won't like it.
It's a boy...
The child opens its eyes
to the Earth
Father of Heaven
Look at this child
Protect this child
Father
Bless him every day
It's Terencio.
Acotirene's sent for us.
Palmares...
Palmares!
Acotirene was expecting you.
How did Acotirene know
I was coming?
Why did you bring
a foreigner to Palmares?
We are also foreigners here.
A land where everybody
is foreign.
Many people live
in the valley like me.
They can help...
if you help them.
When the war is over...
they'll try to destroy Palmares.
We must take advantage
of this war to grow...
and make Palmares stronger.
So they will prefer
to make peace with us.
Palmares must grow.
So we don't even have
to negotiate with them.
Beware the enemy's smile.
When you see the enemy's
face up close,
the heart softens,
and your blow
will not be so hard.
Acotirene knows
the ancient truths,
and leads the people
of Palmares with kindness.
But Acotirene fears
the new truths...
and this is not good
for Palmares.
Xango is his creator
who hovers over him...
That is the way
of the young.
Xango speaks...
You are the chosen one.
You are Ganga Zumba.
No, Acotirene...
I'm just Abiola...
son of the King of the Arda.
I come from a far-off land.
Ganga Zumba...
I was lion hunting near
my village when they caught me.
They sold me to the white men
as a slave.
That's how I came here...
to my new land.
Ganga Zumba...
It's time to go back
to the forest.
Acotirene will return
to the forest.
But he leaves the new blood
Palmares needs.
Acotirene leaves Ganga Zumba.
The Gods sent you
through Xango...
to govern Palmares
in this new era.
I'm frightened.
Am I able to?
Don't go, Acotirene.
Stay, mother, stay...
Hear your people...
Think again, Acotirene.
Acotirene!
Xango, my father!
Five years later
Hail, Oh Earth,
Great God, Great Earth.
All give thee honor...
...roast the beans
until you get a coarse powder.
Then infuse them.
It's very good for fevers,
To give energy
when your chest is weak
you must do this...
My dear little grandson...
give Granny a kiss.
To give energy
when your chest is weak,
take houseleek juice,
and drink it with honey.
If you hurt yourself
in the forest,
take a castor-oil plant...
crush it well,
and apply it to the wound.
The wound will heal.
If we catch one of them alive,
at least we won't return
to Bahia penniless.
We're at the mountains,
near Palmares.
So? Are you scared?
There are only kids there.
But the adults
won't be far away.
We finished off the Dutch army.
We can't be scared
of a bunch of niggers.
"Ia"...
Mother!
"Oba"...
King!
- And what's "food"?
- "Onje"!
Just keep very quiet.
Don't try anything.
Let's go! You're all
under arrest! Come on!
Pepper!
Go on!
- Me?
- Yes.
Damn...
I've got to take one.
No... No!
My son!
Get out of my way, dammit!
You sure he has no master?
Examine him.
You'll see he has
no brand of ownership.
How much do you want?
Your blessing, Father.
God bless you.
Tell me something.
Who gives the orders here?
Why?
The Governor
of Pernambuco State...
sent us to exterminate
the negroes of Palmares.
It will be hard.
Father, announce we need...
food and men,
a lot of men
to go up into the mountains.
Those who come will be granted
land in the mountains.
And plenty of slaves
to work there.
Thanks, but I know that one...
Ring the bells, Father.
Tell the village that
all who present themselves...
will have their crimes forgiven,
and vagrants will avoid
being arrested.
You give me the money
for the boy later, Father.
Strange...
very strange.
Where's this guide taking us?
Is it here?
No, not yet.
The men must be hungry.
There's food farther on.
Pineapple!
Hey, come here! Run!
This war of yours
doesn't concern me.
I'm from Bahia.
What's this?
Kawo kabiesile! Ee!
Who's that?
That's Ganga Zumba.
Everybody's heard about him.
"Saure", my Ganga Zumba!
Spy! Traitor!
They've killed Gongoba,
but I want my godson
in my arms again.
Palmares will grow and wait
for him, for he will return.
He will be the sun for us.
Fifteen years later
The comet is a knife
that divides
White prophet announces
the end of planet Earth
Hunger, drought, plague,
smallpox, death
Four-fold devil
The comet of the plague of 1664!
The comet
is a knife that divides
For the black people it is
welcome, blessed, beautiful
It joins earth to heaven,
abundance to feast
Star to forest
The beautiful comet of 1664
Your wife brought you here,
Manuel,
because you've always lived
as a good Christian.
Be a good Christian
until you die.
"Domine, exaudi orationem meam!"
"Et... et... "
"Et clamor meus ad te veniat."
"Dominus vobiscum".
Your Latin, Father...
serves for life...
but not for my death.
"Et cum spiritu teo..."
Francisco...
With the plague here,
better stay in at night.
Francisco...
Can't you hear me?
You're too far away.
They were crossing
the mountains...
and they asked
to see Ganga Zumba.
Where are they going?
To the other side
to find the Land-without-Evil.
Where's that?
No one knows.
I'll just keep on walking...
until a sign appears
that we're there.
Maybe this is the sign,
brother...
There are plenty of niggers
for us to catch!
Everyday! Let's go!
Get on with it!
Keep carrying!
No slacking!
There are runaways there...
Plenty of runaways...
Runaways there...
Didn't I tell you not to eat?
What did I say? Come on!
No slacking there!
There are runaways there...
Runaways there...
Dance, Namba, dance...
Who are you?
I'm tired.
Very tired.
You came up all this way?
It's safer.
But no one's done it before.
Ganga Zumba...
Want to talk to him?
I can take you to him.
Hes my friend.
Ganga Zumba...
Namba... It's him.
I'm certain.
It's him, Namba.
He's come back!
Acaiuba! He's back!
I can't believe it's you!
Come, Acotirene,
lady of the secret
Priestess that calls Ganga Zumba
Offers you the throne of plenty
All beauty
and the throne of the amulets
Springs and more springs
Pots and more pots
Heaven on earth is Aruanda
Thus is Palmares
Palms in the air
Sing and dance
and open the ring
Let go my corn, woman!
That corn's mine!
Whoever needs it, takes it.
They took it
from my piece of land!
I never heard anyone say,
"My piece of wind".
Or "My piece of cloud".
What is the world's
is the world's.
Since the land is nobody's,
whatever it produces
belongs to everyone.
We could play with our feet.
I heard you were here.
Dandara!
Dandara!
I saw you being born...
Like some tea?
It's really Chinese.
Who's this?
Captain Fernão Carrilho
at your service.
Like some tea?
- What does he want?
- To speak to Ganga Zumba.
Speak.
I don't think
you're Ganga Zumba.
- Same thing.
- No, it isn't.
I want to speak to the king.
I have a proposal to make.
To Ganga Zumba.
Tell him...
Tell him
how behaved with you...
Captain Carrilho could have
destroyed the village...
and advanced on your capital.
He could have destroyed
all of Palmares...
with his military strength!
But I prefer peace...
with Ganga Zumba.
The mill owners pay me
to wage war on Palmares.
But I prefer peace.
What do you get out of it?
A small part of the silver
and gold stolen from the mills,
from travelers and churches.
None of it is any use
to you here.
Do you accept?
No. As I understand it...
the mill owners
pay you to wage war...
and we pay you not to.
Right?
Peace is priceless!
So I reckon I should receive
twice for such good deeds.
- Good, but risky.
- Which increases the value.
We give you gold. What do
you give us?
- Peace!
- Arms.
Leave some weapons here.
And ammunition.
You could tell your bosses you
lost some arms in the war.
Fine.
Let's start with this...
They want to stay.
- Stay where?
- In Palmares!
What are you going to do
in Palmares?
I learnt how to make bread
with the Dutch.
You take sugar, milk, almonds,
barley flour...
and mix and mix.
"Oh Muse, speak of the
wise man..."
"Who after he had destroyed
the city of Troy..."
"Wandered through many
a place..."
"And knew their peoples..."
"And their customs..."
That's Homer in the original.
I know a little Greek.
Rui, now it's your turn.
What you know is of no use.
We can do what we are taught,
No! Not you!
I want to stay too.
Look at your hands.
They are so delicate.
What can you do in Palmares?
If you don't let us stay,
it's because you're
the same as they are.
She's mine!
Ana belongs to me!
He saved her life
when we drove back the Dutch.
The people in Recife tried
to lynch the heretics friends.
She was contracted
by the Dutch...
to liven up
their nights in Recife.
So she should serve
whoever she owes her life to.
What about the war, Captain?
Excuse me while I order
my men to start the war.
War?
Tomorrow the mill owners...
must see signs of a war
on the mountains.
Captain...
We need something else
as well as the weapons.
No!
So we managed to destroy
3 cities of Palmares...
with only 4
insignificant losses.
And we finished off
about 2.000 negro rebels.
3.000.
Thanks to our brave Captain
who in one battle alone...
beheaded 200 blacks is one go!
No need to exaggerate,
150's fine.
The mill owners!
Cover all this...
and wait for me here.
I'll see to them.
You come with me!
It's him...
Well, well...
what a nice surprise!
I wasn't expecting a welcome.
I am pleased to announce
that our mission was successful.
We have exterminated
all subversion in Palmares.
We lost a servant,
3 men and some arms.
But we know we have done
our duty.
Tell them... Go on!
Where are the prisoners?
Prisoners?
Let's go up the mountain.
Before paying you
what we owe, Captain...
we should like to see
the ruins of Palmares.
Captain Carrilho!
Acaiuba!
Run! Run!
Run, you devil!
Get then both live!
Where's Ana, you dog?
You know these niggers well,
don't you?
I'm a specialist
in their tactics.
No, not like that.
That one you killed,
for example...
He spoke to you
like a friend.
Like a friend?
So I'm a friend of niggers?
Captain Carrilho...
You're under arrest!
He goes on to a new life
We bid our farewells
The great hunter
comes to fetch him
We bid him farewell
on his way to a new life
Leave him alone.
Acaiuba...
They killed the bravest.
The purest.
The best of our brothers.
Will no one pay for this?
I should pay.
Ganga Zumba...
My time has come.
Let me avenge Acaiuba.
Give me permission...
to fight for him.
"Ogun Ogunhe!"
"Ogun protect thy son, and teach
him the secrets of war."
"Look after him every day."
"Protect this body of his."
"When he goes to war..."
"Bless thy son."
"Not to fear."
Ogun Ogunhe!
Send thy greatest warriors...
from the vale of death
to protect thy son.
Teach thy son
the wisdom of war!
You are no longer nobody.
You are your people!
You are born again,
and your Father Ogun bids you
be called Zumbi Alakijade,
to whom the colors of war
were given.
You are Zumbi,
who never dies!
Zumbi...
"Saure!" Zumbi dos Palmares!
"Saure!"
"Saure!" Zumbi dos Palmares!
Zumbi, warrior and commander
Ogun-ie, chief blacksmith
Overlord of my being
Send freedom
Into my heart
I'm free!
Thank you, good Jesus!
Thank you, Zumbi of Palmares!
My sword showers
the sun of war
Hacks forest, sweeps heaven,
through Earth tore
Black delight
that warriors crave
Maracatu
Maculele, and young men brave
My sword spreads
the sun of fighting
My quilombo
all the mountains lighting
Like fans, and the dancing
Of the samba leader
the twists and turns
of "capoeira"
You needn't be afraid.
But what you're been spreading
is only fear.
"Et clamor meus..."
"ad te veniat".
"Dominus vobiscum".
"Et cum spiritu tue."
Francisco...
That's not my name, Father.
I am Zumbi of Palmares.
I came to give you this back.
Thank you...
I didn't eat the basket of
food.
There was something else you
forgot...
No, I didn't forget.
It just wasn't any use to me.
Unless I took it
from the other end.
Black delights
that warriors crave
Brazil, my own Brazil
My great sanctuary
My cradle and nation
Zumbi, protector,
guard and patron
Send freedom
Into my breast
Dandara!
Recife, Dandara!
Take Recife, Zumbi.
You're reached it.
Now it's easy to go in.
If I enter their capital...
even as a conqueror,
I will have to do
what they do.
If we take Recife, Dandara...
we'll end up with slaves,
like them.
I called you...
because I have received
a letter from the Governador...
on behalf
of the King of Portugal,
asking me to go to Recife
to discuss peace.
There it is.
Ana read it for me.
That's treachery!
On whose part?
Peace. Zumbi is concerned
with victory in war.
We need some time without war.
To grow...
so Palmares becomes invincible.
I'll go to Recife.
I'll see what they want from us.
"Ganga Zumba undertakes
to leave the mountains...
with all his people,
and settle to the north, in
the Cucaú valley,
which is granted to him by
the Portuguese Crown.
Those who accompany him,
and all those born there,
will be considered free men,
subjects of the King of
Portugal.
But the inhabitants
of Cucaú will undertake...
not to accept runaway slaves
from city or mill...
and will return them
to their rightful owners."
Ameri... what?
America.
America...
America...
"No free inhabitant of Cucaú...
is allowed to leave the valley
for any reason,
under penalty of arrest
and return to captivity.
So?
What's there is what was agreed?
So...
we are agreed?
Don't accept, Ganga Zumba.
If you give way now,
you'll always give way.
Why not give way?
Knowing when is a feature
of great kings!
Tell me something...
don't I know you from somewhere?
You mean...
from some brothel in Recife?
Ganga Zumba thinks you could
be a friend of slaves...
We are not slaves
and will never be again!
Cucaú is not ours.
It's being given,
so can be taken back.
We must stay here
in the mountains!
I'm staying here!
If we stay here...
this war will never end.
One day the whites will come...
and destroy Palmares.
Everyone here
from the villages...
knows the whites...
are very strong...
because they have
already seen...
their attacks before now.
Even so, Palmares is still here!
Palmares is still here!
The time hadn't come.
The time hadn't come.
The whites have more men
and more arms.
Time only increases their power.
They were nice to us in Recife.
We must be patient,
and have time to grow,
and make peace
so we can be free,
and never,
never be slaves again!
He who becomes a slave again
is afraid of dying.
I fetched Acaiuba's remains...
so Ganga Zumba
may remember who kills...
and who dies.
This is what happens...
when you become friends
with the enemy.
How can we be friends
of the white man?
If their happiness
depends on our enslavement?
Zumbi is right!
Zumbi is wrong!
They promised us...
that if we went to Cucaú...
the war would stop,
and the King of Portugal...
would give us freedom forever.
The King cannot give me
what is mine!
The King cannot give me
what is mine!
Ganga Zumba' right!
Zumbi, you are leading
your people to disaster!
Each one will choose.
Ibualama from Andalaquituxe!
The people of Andalaquituxe
love Ganga Zumba,
but won't leave Palmares.
Tite from Dambranga!
In Dambranga Ganga Zumba
will always be king,
but we want to stay.
Lua from Subupira!
In our village, Subupira,
no one will go to Cucaú.
Teodoro from Cerca das Tabocas!
We of Cerca das Tabocas...
feel that the war must end
in victory for Palmares!
Katambo from Amaro!
Ganga Zumba's heart
has softened with time.
Ganga Zumba's head is weak.
Katambo!
We from Amaro think
that Zumbi is right.
Zumbi is right.
I gave my word to the Governor.
Zumbi's right, Ganga Zumba.
But I'll go with you to Cucaú.
Is it Cucaú, Ganga Zumba?
It's Cucaú!
All pots break,
all beads scatter
All graces shatter
Ganga Zumba climbs down
the mountain tall
Deep inside a taste of gall
to quell his anger...
Zumbi's stayed in the mountain
with his people.
He has not fulfilled
the agreement.
Ganga Zumba's not responsible
for Zumbi.
The Recife agreement
talks of the blacks.
As for the white people,
they must prove they owe
nothing to Portuguese law.
The white people
and indians are our brothers.
They are the same.
We won't fight over trifles.
We are friends now, right?
You'd better convince
Zumbi to come,
because if he doesn't...
there can be no peace.
Ah, I was forgetting...
On behalf of the Governor
of Pernambuco State...
welcome to Cucaú... friends!
The Captain's closed
the valley.
As if we were his prisoners.
That's what we are.
It's Zumbi's fault.
If he'd come...
We must send someone
to talk to him.
He won't come.
I know.
We have to leave here, and now.
But for that, we need him.
Leave here?
What is Ganga Zumba
going to say...
to those who followed him here?
No. We stay here.
And we'll force Zumbi to come.
We are the white man's
friends now.
They are our friends.
Xango no longer hovers
over Ganga Zumba's head.
Xango has left me...
Salé will betray us.
Salé is right.
I made them come here.
Now the people are divided,
and it is my fault.
Only Ganga Zumba
can change things.
I know! I know!
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow night
I shall need your help, Ana.
I got your message.
What do you want?
Why the sword, Captain?
You don't need it here.
You never know.
We've already met once when,
without a sword,
things would have been
different.
In Recife?
No. Long before.
My name is André Tourinho.
I was the youngest
of the man from Santa Rita.
So, what do you want from me?
The boy...
Aroroba saved your life once.
I don't know if I can again.
I don't know if I can
save yours, Ganga Zumba.
Don't you realize
your life is in my hands?
And that it is
worth nothing now?
I know...
That I know...
"Emu..."
Palm wine.
The rest of what we brought
from Palmares.
Namba, call the people.
- What for?
- What for?
Go, Namba! Call Salé
and the people... quickly!
"Emu..."
From the mountains...
From Palmares!
Ganga Zumba's dying!
Ganga Zumba's been poisoned!
He's poisoned Ganga Zumba!
Not me...
Salé, my brother...
Do you see?
They are not our friends...
Take the people back, Salé.
Take them back to Palmares.
Ganga Zumba's dying!
He's dying!
The whites are surrounding
the valley,
but if you take them
by surprise,
perhaps some of ours will die,
but most will get through.
Quick, break through the circle.
He did it himself, didn't he?
The people of Palmares
are no longer divided.
The people of Palmares
are united again!
Go away! Go away!
Let's go! Ganga Zumba
has ordered it!
Let's go back to the mountains!
"Saure", Ana de Ferro!
Namba lie down for Ganga
Look into each other's eyes
Namba lie down for Ganga
Kiss the mouth
Namba lie down for Ganga
Legs in the air
Iaia Namba is Ganga's
Beautiful home
Ganga's woman
Namba... woman... home...
Ganga's Namba...
woman... home...
11 years later
Zumbi said...
"You only become a slave
if you're afraid of dying".
Zumbi is stronger
than everything.
With him,
Palmares will last forever.
Domingos Jorge Velho?
My name is Bernardo
Vieira de Mello.
The Governor asked me
to greet you.
Domingos Jorge Velho
has come from São Paulo,
contracted by the Governor
on behalf of the King.
They want to put an end
to Palmares.
He is in Pernambuco State...
waiting for the army promised
by the Portuguese.
The King has decreed
that Palmares and Zumbi...
are the greatest shame
for the Colony,
and has authorized men...
and resources to be brought...
from wherever necessary.
They will wipe you out,
whatever the cost.
Is that why you're leaving?
I can't come here anymore.
They are arresting
and sending to Lisbon...
any white man who negotiates
with Palmares.
Even landowners under
suspicion lose their land.
You won't miss...
the information
I've been giving you.
Everyone knows that Zumbi...
has a circle of spies
among the slaves...
in the mills and towns.
I'm going to disappear...
and go to the south.
They say there's gold
in Minas Gerais.
You needn't run away.
No one will conquer Palmares.
The Portuguese will give
Domingos Jorge Velho...
the largest and strongest
army ever seen in Brazil.
- Canons...
- Canons?
Six barrels.
How did you know?
What use are canons
against Palmares?
We leave the villages...
hide in the forest,
and attack by surprise...
His army could destroy
all the forest!
He could destroy everything!
If he asked for canon...
that's because he intends
to destroy our capital first.
He knows he doesn't need
so much for the villages.
So we must get Zumbi
out of here quickly.
No.
If you are our friend...
do us one favor
before you leave.
Spread around we are going
to stay here and wait.
I don't think you'd...
Take him back to the valley.
Katambo... Lua.
Get all the people
into the capital.
From now on
everyone is a warrior.
All must be trained.
Even the women and children.
The only ones to stay
in the villages...
are these who defend
the plantations.
Let's get ourselves ready.
We're going to stay here
waiting for him?
No, Teodoro. Not you.
You take our best warriors
to Boqueirão da Serra...
and hide there,
and wait for the order
to attack from the rear...
when they are
attacking the town.
But how can we resist the canon?
We will.
It's good they are bringing
so much armament.
Their defeat will be
so much the greater.
No white soldier will be brave
enough to come here again.
One day we have to fight
the last battle in this war.
Zumbi hasn't asked the people
if they went this.
I can't force them
to be like me.
But I can make them do
what's best for them.
Unwilling people
lose their imagination.
People without imagination
are no use at all.
Not even in war.
I am the king. A king must act,
or he is not king.
Ganga Zumba was king too.
Teodoro!
Take the warriors away!
Wait for the order.
Katambo will stirrup the people.
Zumbi must take him prisoner,
before he betrays...
I know.
Let's prepare the city
to face Domingos Jorge Velho!
January 1694
My God!
Dandara...
Pray, Dandara...
Pray for us...
My sword spreads
the sun of fighting
My Quilombo
all the mountains lighting
Like fans and the dancing
of the samba leader
The twists and turns
of "capoeira".
As canons explode
and firearms rattle
In each respite
in the endless battle
I'll sing...
I'll sing and sing and sing.
Black joy is the joy
that warriors bring...
Looks deserted...
But it isn't.
- What's this?
- Let's advance.
No, it's dangerous.
We don't know...
Fire, then.
- It's too far.
- Fire!
Look what I've brought you,
Zumbi of Palmares!
Fire!
Six barrels!
Come on, Domingos Jorge Velho!
I'm waiting!
The shots
aren't reaching the wall!
Let's advance!
Advance! Advance!
Let's advance!
Let's go! Forward!
Halt!
Wait a moment.
Let's go on!
If we go on, we'll fall
into other traps.
Those who reach the walls
will be massacred.
You must retreat!
You must save our men!
We must save our canon!
We've already lost 2!
Zumbi was prepared.
Someone warned him
we had canons.
Zumbi...!
Zumbi of Palmares!
If they advance further,
we can finish them off
from up on the wall,
when they get really close.
But they've retreated.
They've stopped attacking.
They haven't given up.
They'll go on trying.
That's what Zumbi said.
Tomorrow, at daybreak...
they'll try again,
and we'll go on letting them...
until there are
only a few left...
who'll die of hunger
or exhaustion.
Then we'll tell Teodoro...
to attack and...
not one will be left alive.
So no will ever have
courage to come here again...
to attack Palmares.
Katambo should be here
to see this.
You had him imprisoned.
Now have him set free.
I can't.
Katambo is your friend.
He's like a brother...
But I can't, Dandara.
Zumbi, Tité is calling you.
Zumbi!
Zumbi of Palmares! Look!
They are our slaves.
One of them must have told you
of the canon.
It must have been them!
Look at your spies, Zumbi!
Fire!
This Domingos Jorge Velho...
He's not like the others.
Acotirene, my mother...
Did you send for me?
Palmares is eternal.
Palmares will never end...
Never!
Acotirene...
Acotirene...
Who's singing?
Aren't you a sleep?
What time is it?
It's late. Or early.
Soon it will be daybreak.
What's the use
of what you're doing?
No use.
What's the use of war?
The mist protects the town.
Until daybreak,
our enemies won't even
be able to see the walls
I can use it...
to get the traps remade.
I must get some men to do it.
Know something?
I've always wanted to know why
some people like to give orders.
I am Zumbi of Palmares.
I know.
What were you singing?
No, no... not like that.
The mist...
protects the town.
But it can also help
Domingos Jorge Velho.
Has that noise
been going on for long?
We thought they were
taking away the dead.
They're here.
Quite close.
Like people working...
building something...
If it's what I'm thinking...
tomorrow morning the canons
will reach the town.
What can they be building?
A palisade...
A fence around the walls.
Tomorrow, at daybreak,
when the mist rises,
they can fire
the canons from up close.
The fence will protect them.
What will we do?
Give the alarm.
Wake the town up.
Go to Boqueirão da Serra...
and tell Teodoro to attack.
We'll leave the town
and attack from the front.
If Teodoro arrives in time,
from the rear.
We'll close in...
before they destroy the walls.
Will this work?
Yes.
The canon will reach the walls
with this fence.
We'll attack at daybreak.
As soon as the mist rises.
Cold, huh?
Reminds me of São Paulo.
I'd like to live here.
Live here?
When this war's over...
Domingos Jorge Velho
will stay here...
on land in Palmares.
Or where Palmares was.
That's impossible.
This land is promised
to the mill owners.
And to Portuguese nobility.
The King can't give land to...
to mere... to...
Look here, my friend.
We came a long way
from a very poor land.
We are tired of scrabbling
through forest...
killing niggers and indians
just to make you rich.
Domingos Jorge Velho
is getting old...
He needs some land to rest on.
Anyway, if he lives here
it will be safer for you.
Think of that!
After the war,
you'll be his neighbors!
That won't happen.
Prepare the canons!
But the palisade isn't ready.
You can't see anything, anyway.
Weren't we waiting for daybreak?
The mist is rising.
Zumbi know we're here.
Zumbi says to attack
the palisade!
Before they can use the canons!
Don't let them use the canons!
Fire! Fire!
The wall's been hit, Zumbi!
They're trying to get in.
Tell Tité to set Katambo free.
We'll need everybody.
Lua, you...
look after Dandara.
Don't let anyone hurt her.
Lets defend the town.
Teodoro's on his way.
Zumbi of Palmares!
Slaughter the niggers!
Don't leave one alive!
After living in Palmares,
none of them
will make good slaves!
Zumbi of Palmares!
Acotirene, Acotirene!
Didn't you say Palmares
was eternal?
Where's your power, Acotirene?
Ganga Zumba...
My Ganga...
We'll never be slaves again.
Never.
Katambo!
Katambo, my brother.
The canons
are destroying the city.
Zumbi must get out of here!
No, we'll stay together
until the end.
Zumbi of Palmares.
Teodoro...
You arrived, Teodoro.
We must get him
out of here soon!
No use resisting.
You have no way out.
Surrender.
We haven't found his body.
- Whose?
- Zumbi's.
The war is over.
Let's go.
What about Zumbi?
We've destroyed Palmares.
We have nothing else
to do here.
You're wrong.
While Zumbi is alive,
Palmares will live.
Who said he's still alive?
Domingos Jorge Velho
will stay here.
To make sure!
Acotirene told me...
that Palmares was eternal.
That it would never end.
Acotirene can't be wrong.
Long time since Teodoro left...
He went to see...
there was any village
still resisting,
so we could take Zumbi
there in safety.
He's a long time because
there are soldiers everywhere.
Must be hard to get through.
Lua...
Tité...
Katambo...
All dead?
You hungry, Zumbi?
I am.
If only I could find some fruit.
Go over there.
There's bananas and breadfruit.
Take your spear.
You may need it.
No.
I won't.
Teodoro gave me a knife.
Where did I put it?
It's there.
There!
What's your name?
Mine? Camuanga.
"Saure", Camuanga!
"Saure", Zumbi dos Palmares!
Teodoro...
You took a long time.
Forgive me...
They tortured me.
Run, Zumbi... run!
I give you back your spear,
so it won't fall into
enemy hands...
"Ogun-ie!"
Camuanga became leader of the
Palmares resistance until 1704,
when he was killed in battle
with the Portuguese.
Other warriors
took his place in battle.
The Colonial forces
never managed...
to exterminate
Palmares completely.
Resistance in the area
was last heard of in 1797,
more than a century
after the death of Zumbi.