Ironically, for a film so beloved by those who saw it, became extraordinarily difficult to find for nearly two decades. The original negatives were stored in a warehouse in Rio de Janeiro that suffered water damage in the late 1990s. For years, the only existing copies were degraded VHS tapes and television recordings from the now-defunct TV Manchete.
Unfortunately, A Menina e o Cavalo is hard to find today. It occasionally surfaces in Brazilian film archives, special screenings at cultural centers, or rare DVD editions. If you ever come across it — don’t hesitate.
The reason for her long banishment from the farm becomes clear: her father forbade her from returning after discovering her relationship with the stallion. The film then follows a dark reunion. Arisco, upon sensing Márcia's presence, tries to win her back, and she eventually relents, restarting their bizarre affair. The story then delves into flashbacks depicting her formative years, as she learned about bestiality from the family maid, Santina. The narrative also features graphic depictions of the horse's bestial pursuits: Arisco is portrayed as a malicious, jealous animal that also tries to mount the other women on the ranch—including Cordélia and the current maid, Teca—as well as the farm's mares. Ultimately, Juca intervenes, helping Márcia expose the truth about Arisco's malignant nature, leading her to realize that her true love has always been her human friend, not the horse. A Menina E O Cavalo 1983
(1983) (internationally known as The Girl and the Horse ) is one of the most infamous and bizarre examples of Brazilian Pornochanchada cinema . Directed and written by Conrado Sanchez, this 80-minute production blends high-concept psychological melodrama with extreme exploitation erotica. Despite its alternative release dates appearing as late as 1985 on platforms like IMDb , the film was produced during the twilight era of Brazil's "Boca do Lixo" (Mouth of Garbage) cinema movement. It remains a cult curiosity due to its transgressive storyline involving bestiality themes. Plot Summary and Context The Girl and Horse (1983) — The Movie Database (TMDB)
As censorship laws shifted, directors balanced artistic intent with sensationalist themes to ensure commercial viability. Scholars note that while the film utilized shock value, it attempted to frame its narrative around themes of isolation and the rejection of conservative expectations. Legacy and Availability A Menina e o Cavalo (1983) | ČSFD.cz Ironically, for a film so beloved by those
The film was produced in Brazil and released in 1983, with some sources listing a 1985 release for international markets. Conrado Sanchez. Key Cast: Aryadne de Lima Antônio Rodi Elizabeth de Luiz Sérgio Hingst Runtime: Approximately 80 minutes. Critical and Cultural Context
The film, registered with Brazil's official cinematic bodies Concine and Embrafilme in late 1983, follows a highly controversial narrative centered on themes of nymphomania, forbidden desires, and taboo relationships within a wealthy family's rural estate. While produced in 1983, records indicate it reached theaters over the subsequent years, playing in São Paulo by March 1984 and seeing international releases through 1985. Synopsis and Plot Summary Unfortunately, A Menina e o Cavalo is hard to find today
Likely a simple coming-of-age story in rural Brazil: a girl forms a bond with a horse, faces separation (e.g., horse sold, drought, family move), and learns responsibility or resilience. Common theme in 1980s Brazilian regional cinema.
Amidst this family tension, Márcia reunites with Ariscu , a horse from her childhood, and Juka, the stable boy.