Forget the fairy tales and bedtime stories – “A Dog’s Will” is the real deal with grit, determination, and a touch of conservative charm. This Brazilian play-turned-film, helmed by Guel Arraes in 1999, takes place in the northeastern parts of Brazil. It focuses on two individuals, João Grilo and Chicó, who grapple with life's harsh realities in a small, poverty-stricken village. This isn't your typical rags-to-riches story; it's more along the lines of outsmart-your-opponent-and-make-them-regret-it narrative.
The story kicks off with João Grilo and Chicó trying to earn an almighty buck in a society that seems determined to keep them down. They don’t sit around and whine about how the world is unfair; they jump into action. They master the art of deception, turning cunning and trickery into their version of the American Dream. João Grilo is resourceful and sly, while Chicó is more of a dreamer, albeit with some good old-fashioned common sense. Right there is a lesson liberals could learn – sometimes you just have to fight for what you want, use your brain, and stop waiting for the world to hand you success on a silver platter.
“A Dog’s Will” is driven by themes of wit, resilience, and triumph over adversity. João and Chicó find themselves facing a myriad of colorful characters who attempt to keep them in their place. There’s the elite hegemony, religious figures pretending they hold moral superiority, and an array of ignorant snobs who think they own the world. Sound familiar? This is where João Grilo shines. Instead of kowtowing to those around him, he uses his wits to navigate through societal hierarchies.
The beauty of “A Dog’s Will” is its ability to showcase stark social commentary without losing the humorous undertone. It highlights the deep disparity between the so-called elite class and those who dance on the edges of society. Yet, the moral of the story is clear: wit and willpower can transcend societal barriers. João Grilo and Chicó use their street smarts to survive in a world that was not built for them. Society could use a reminder that success often comes down to who is willing to out-think the opposition.
João Grilo isn’t just a character; he's a symbol of the tenacity needed to thrive. He didn't shy away from challenges but faced them head-on, showing that grit can surpass obstacles placed by an over-regulatory state and an untouchable class system. His story is one of triumph for those who refuse to play the victim, a testament to the importance of independence, self-reliance, and resilience.
As the plot advances, João Grilo finds himself tangled in humorous yet precarious situations. This cunning underdog faces danger, lies, and deceit, all the while making you chuckle at his audacity. The film does not glorify the typical Hollywood hero but rather, it glorifies the everyman who simply gets up and goes for it. His story encourages taking control of one’s destiny — you create your own luck by playing the game with the cards dealt and making it work.
The film is largely a satirical take on religion and the way some manipulate faith for personal gain, another sharp nod at societal hypocrisy. Characters in positions of religious power are depicted as greedy opportunists, using their influence to sustain a lifestyle that João Grilo is too smart to accept as the norm. It draws attention to how narratives and systems can be exploited by those in power.
The supernatural twist towards the end retains the whimsical element of the plot while emphasizing life beyond earthly struggles. It adds an allegorical layer, reminding us that clinging too firmly to cynicism or naivete will leave you unprepared for life’s unpredictable game board. After all, a good will is not just about leaving behind material possessions but about the legacy of character and actions.
If we take a leaf out of João Grilo’s book, it’s to think outside the box and to pursue unwavering perseverance, even when society sets the odds against you. A survival story with a conservative heart, “A Dog’s Will” invites you to question societal norms without the noise of empty rhetoric. It reinforces the values of personal responsibility and cleverness in a way that entertains while simultaneously offering a striking social critique.
As the narrative unwraps, it humanizes the struggle of those overlooked in the grander scheme of things, showing that everyone’s story matters, especially those that defy societal expectations. “A Dog’s Will” does not have the typical Hollywood-style resolution where everyone is showered with success and fireworks. Instead, it wraps up with a realistic but hopeful glance into a world where maybe, just maybe, the underdog can finish first if he has the cleverness and courage to carve his own path.