As Beautiful As Love (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[footsteps on wooden floor]

[Fran] Good evening, everyone!

My name is Franciele

but everyone knows me as Fran.

[pages turning]

[paper rustling]

[Fran] As the speaker

for the veterinary class

I had prepared a speech,

but I gathered the courage

and decided to speak from the heart

after all,

that's how I learned

the angel's language

[soft guitar music]

[water fountain trickling]

[tense music playing]

Speak to me, Tot

[Tot whines softly]

[sniffles]

[Sgt. Shorty whistling]

[Sgt. Shorty] Hey girl!

He is sickly, isn't he?

[Fran nods] Uh-huh

[Sgt. Shorty] I'm sorry... but next time

get a dog that can protect your home

like mine!

[large dog barking loudly]

[Sgt. Shorty whistling]

Rambo!

[large dog barking]

[Sgt. Shorty] That one of

yours isn't good for much, really.

We need to protect ourselves from criminals

they're everywhere

[Fran] But he's my friend...

[Sgt. Shorty] There's no

such a thing as a dog friend!

Dogs are supposed to guard!

Mine, Rambo, keeps my treasure safe!

No one lays a finger!

[background music]

[Fran crying]

[Tot whines softly]

[Noemi] What did you say to her?

[comical music] Me?

I said she must get

a real dog after this one kicks the bucket,

to protect the house, you

know right? You are divorced!

[Noemi] Oh, I never

want to see your crazy face

around here again, got it?

How could you? Don't you have a heart?

[Sgt. Shorty] I do!

My heart is hard as

stone, cold as ice, and

hairy as my arm!

Get out of my face! Go!

Or I'll call the cops on you!

I'm not afraid of anyone!

I'll activate my alarms

[button beeps]

[elevator sound]

[elevator stuck]

[button beeps]

It jammed! I think I'll take the stairs.

[footsteps on small rocks]

[Tot whines softly]

[Jos] Did you curse at him, honey?

[Noemi] Oh dad

this new neighbor is very

weird and also dangerous.

Sergeant Shorty?

No, I know the family.

He's not dangerous,

he's weird, that's for sure.

Wow, is he in the army?

No!

His father was.

He doesn't even have the size,

he's just a mini fan.

I get scared staying here alone with Fran.

Stop being such a scaredy-cat, girl!

How do you expect me to feel, Dad?

It's a lot of responsibility

on my shoulders

and now I had to take on this

whole bunch of sewing work

it's very hard being alone

Better alone than in bad company.

That guy who left you with

a daughter to raise, alone.

What safety did he give you?

It's really annoying to have

to repeat this, you know?

You're a man, you don't understand.

Oh, I'm a man?

[Laugh] Would you believe I

hadn't noticed that until now!

[Laugh]

How about Fran?

She's in her room

she won't stop crying.

And the little pup has no chance?

[Noemi] Uh-uh

The vet told us

to enjoy the time that's left.

Oh honey, come here, come?

[sad piano music]

How sad

I can bear Fran's pain,

I just don't know if I can bear mine.

You can bear it

[Jos] Hi Fran

Can I come in?

[Fran sniffs through tears]

Shall we talk?

[sad tone]

It's always very hard to say

goodbye to someone we love

but we have to be brave

to face the sadness, you know

Because that fills the heart

of the one that leaves with joy

Because even if he doesn't want to go

he feels the time is coming

and he doesn't want

anyone left here suffering.

Do you understand me:

Hey Fran

Do you want to learn to be brave?

Then give me a minute, I'll be right back!

[kitchenware clatters]

[Jos, off-screen] Crikey!

[Noemi, off-screen] What was that, Dad?

I'm destroying your

house! Yeah, I can see that!

[Medieval tune] [Jos,

off-screen] I just needed a lid!

[kitchenware clatters]

[Medieval music]

[Fran] What's that, Grandpa?

[Jos] Grandpa?

Who's Grandpa?

How dare you call Grandpa

the famous knight Don Quixote of Americana!

Behave yourself, Sancho Panza

and return to being my

faithful squire as always!

Sancho Panza?

That's right! Don't you remember

all the adventures we've already had?

The castles

the giant windmills!

Let's go, Sancho Panza

actually, now Sancho without Panza

[Fran and Jos laugh together]

But what is this?

A knight or a lady knight

must be very serious

or stern.

Where is your armor of courage?

[Jos] hum?

[Fran] Hum...

Don't worry

[Jos, off-screen] I

will provide one for you!

One minute, [Jos, off-screen]

where is the armor of my loyal squire?

[kitchenware clatters]

[Noemi, off-screen]

Oh Dad, for God's sake...

Just a minute, the evil

queen is very upset

we need to calm her down

before starting our mission.

[Fran laugh]

[Tot whines softly]

[Sad tune] [Tot whines softly]

[Jos] Talk to him, Fran...

Say everything you want to say.

[Fran] Tot, I love you so

much and I'm going to miss you

so, so much.

You are my best friend

but I want you to be really happy

and barking in heaven.

Now say all of that in his language.

In his language?

Yeah!

Dog-speak.

But I don't know how to speak dog-speak...

Yes you do!

Look...

[Jos barks]

[Fran, off-screen] Come, Tot!

[Fran barks]

[Tot whines softly]

[Emotional music]

See?

He said that he loves you too

forever!

[Rambo barks]

[mysterious music] [soft water sounds]

[Sgt. Shorty gasps from

water] "Ha-ah! Uh-ha!"

[funny marching tune, whistle and drum]

[Hand, beeps and whirs]

[Radio on]

For now, no apparent danger

[Sgt. Shorty] They're pretty crazy

[Rambo barks]

But we're still safe.

[Rambo barks]

[Sgt. Shorty, half-shouting,

half-whispering] "Shh! Rambo!"

Hell hound!

Ah, this dog! Damn it!

[Beetle engine sounds]

[car engine stops]

[Noemi] At least

Tot's suffering is over...

[Jos] Oh honey, I know for you it's harder

because he was family

your oldest friend, right?

She's exhausted...

Suffering is hard. But it's a new beginning

you should already know that, honey.

Suffering is suffering, Dad

nobody deserves it.

Without sadness

joy has no meaning at all.

You've become a poet

since you retired from the classroom, huh?

I'm not sure a poet, honey

but that I've had more

time to think about it

that's for sure.

And no one stops being a teacher.

Speaking of time

can you stay with Fran today?

Of course!

I think I'm ready for this mission!

[Jos laughs]

[rough harmonica playing]

Did you like it?

[Fran] eh...

I'm learning...

Grandpa...

[Jos] Hum

when Grandma Rosa left

were you sad too?

I missed her so much

it hurt...

Then as time went by

I started to feel that

she hadn't disappeared

hadn't vanished

wasn't far

No? [Jos off-screen] No!

[Emotional piano music]

I felt that Grandma was inside my heart

even closer

enchanted inside my chest

and...

And what was she like?

She wasno, she is!

Beautiful, brave

happy,

and fierce like a lioness!

[Fran and Jos laugh together]

I wish I could see her!

Hey Fran

more important than seeing

is feeling.

I have an idea!

Let's go to the place she loved, shall we?

[Jos barks]

[Sad radio music]

Oh Mom

I miss you so much...

[Sad radio music]

[Jos] Are you enjoying the trip, Fran?

Yes! You're too slow, go faster!

And I'm the one who's old?

[Jos laughs]

I wanted to ask a question.

Go ahead!

Is she in heaven, Grandpa?

[city sounds]

Grandma?

Of course she is!

Yeah...

Could you ask her to take care of Tot?

Oh Fran, of course I can.

Actually, a great idea.

What if the two of us went together

to ask her there, in the

place she liked to go?

- Really?

- Really!

Shall we?

- Yes!

- Yay!

Fran, come here.

Who do you think, between the two of us,

can reach that corner faster, running?

- Me!

- Oh yeah? Let's see then?

Yes, let's!

Hold on, pay attention...

One

Two, three, go!

[Medieval song]

[Jos, speaking loudly, joking]

Oh no, my horse froze up!

Don't do this to me, man! Hey, Sancho!

Come back here!

Otherwise your victory will be very unfair!

Hey! Don't respond

kicking like that with me!

[Jos, speaking loudly,

joking] [Fran laughs]

[Bell sound]

Is the church on vacation too?

No way! That doesn't happen here!

Just watch, pay attention.

Anybody home?

[Jos shouting] Anybody

home, are you deaf old man?

[Benedito laughing]

I'm the one who's old

and deaf, right my friend?

Oh! It's Tot's urn!

Did you see how beautiful?

[gentle tune]

What a beautiful gift you brought me, Jos!

It's Fran!

[gentle tune]

[Benedito] You need to have faith

and respect for all

beings and their memories,

Franciele.

All little creatures have a

spot reserved in heaven.

And it is in dying that

one is born to eternal life,

as Saint Francis once said.

Oh Fran,

and Tot will remain

alive in our imagination

and in our heart

just like Grandma.

Yes,

and when this ip tree blooms

you'll feel

Tot's joy right in your yard

with the grace of Oxssi.

He will sleep under the roots of the ip

to protect our dreams

we will dream a very beautiful life

full of good memories with Tot's joy.

Now let's ask God to

receive your little friend's spirit

And Grandma's too.

Grandma's too.

Hold on

how do I say it?

God understands all languages!

Even dog-speak?

Yes, even dog-speak!

[Fran barks]

[Jos barks]

[Benedito barks]

[Jos howls]

[Noemi weeps softly]

[Noemi whispering] My dad is here,

but she misses you a lot

I miss you

Please, come back...

You can sleep here just don't snore, okay?

I don't snore, it's just

that I swallowed a dragon!

[Jos and Fran laugh together]

[Noemi cries loudly, off-screen]

[Noemi, off-screen, speaking

incoherently while sobbing loudly]

[Jos barks]

What are you saying?

Huh?

I thought you knew

how to speak dog language.

Well, I know how to speak it, I

just don't know how to understand it!

[Jos laughs]

Okay, I said that tomorrow

we're going to plant the ip tree.

Yay!

And I also said that I love you very much!

I love you too, Grandpa!

[Fran barks]

Grandpa

will Daddy come plant

the ip with me tomorrow?

Your dad can't, Fran.

Why not?

Sometimes even your old

grandpa doesn't know the answer.

[Fran grunts]

What I do know for

sure is that tomorrow we'll

train our sword fighting again

Broomsticks, right?

I see two beautiful swords

forged from the purest metal

by a very smelly but great blacksmith!

Don't you?

[Medieval music] [Jos

and Fran laugh together]

[chair creaks]

Fran fell asleep?

It's too much for her

it's too much for me!

[chair creaks]

It's only too much if

you want it to be, honey.

I'm alone, Dad

I'm alone

completely wrecked.

You're not alone!

[sad piano song]

[Noemi cries]

Why is he doing this, Dad?

I need him.

You need him?

The only thing you need is self respect.

[sad piano song]

You're stronger than that, honey!

[Noemi laughs through tears]

And you think you're strong, huh Dad?

Think that by saying poetic nonsense

out there to disguise

your sadness, it works?

I remember well, dad

how you got when mom died.

Don't you drag your

mother into this story, huh?

One thing has nothing to do with the other.

Of course

it's better to run from pain, right?

But that's not being strong, dad.

That is pretending

hiding

and I don't hide my pain!

[chair scrapes on floor]

[Sad piano song]

[soft background music]

Come on, Fran

throw the ashes!

Now think of something really happy!

[Fran barks]

Very good!

[Fran barks]

Honey, I loved it

but I have to get back

to the machine, okay?

[Fran] hum

Give me a kiss.

[smack]

[Noemi laughs]

Bye mommy!

- Shall we fight, grandpa?

- Let's!

Let's put the urn away

and get our things. Let's go!

Come on Fran, grab our things there, quick!

[Sgt. Shorty, off-screen]

Planting a dog tree, huh?

[funny music]

You know animals don't

get born like that, right girl?

It's for Toto's spirit to be happy!

[Jos, off-screen] Tot is free

unlike you and your dog.

You two are prisoners.

Can you understand the difference?

Just know that he's locked up for my safety

and for your safety

And if someone jumps into

my yard, Rambo will shred them!

Careful, got it?

Freedom has never shredded anyone, man!

Don't know... you keep

teaching this anarchist talk

to the girl and soon she'll be confused

then she'll decide to cut her hair short

with bangs, and you know

what happens then, right?

You'll look beautiful with a pixie cut!

[blink]

- Shall we cut it?

- Let's!

[Jos, off-screen] I'll get the scissors

I'm a hairdresser

graduated from the Brazilian

Universal Institute, you know?

[Fran laughs]

Shall we?

Where is this world going...

[Rambo barks]

Rambo!

[radio announcer, indistinct]

[Fran and Jos laugh together]

Go on, oh Sancho without Panza!

Grab the shield and swords, let's train

our fight

[Fran and Jos laugh together]

Grandpa?

Why does Sergeant

Shorty keep his dog tied up?

Fran, don't talk like that about him...

Because he's afraid!

Of the puppy?

He's afraid of everything, Fran!

To be free, you need courage

he doesn't have it.

In the end

he ends up not enjoying

life and takes it out

on the dog and on others

Poor dog

poor him too, isn't it?

Be careful with this silly fight play, huh?

[sewing machine running]

[Fran and Jos struggle, muffled sounds]

[funny military song]

[drums play a march rhythm]

[whistle blows loudly in music]

[radio on]

He's teaching

advanced fighting techniques to the child.

Something smells fishy

and this time it's not me.

[hand smacks head with hollow thump]

[Hand, beeps and whirs]

[military funny song]

Thank you, hand!

[Hand, beeps and whirs]

[Radio announcer] You're listening

here on 1230 Americana station

The Bill Gomes show!

The crime wave is increasing in our region

so lock your windows and doors

we're no longer living in 1950

and there are lots of th*gs out there!

[suspenseful music playing] [Jos snores]

[suspenseful music playing]

[Swoosh]

[dreamy atmosphere]

[vacuum cleaner running]

It's dust!

[Swoosh]

And if it's dust

it has to be vacuumed!

Leave Toto alone!

All this dirt is

clogging my tear ducts

I can only breathe through my mouth.

[Sgt. Shorty breathing with difficulty]

[heavy breathing]

I'm going to vacuum all this dirt

even you!

No, no, get away! Toto

is mine and always will be!

Grandpa! Grandpa!

Help!

[magical whoosh]

[piano song]

Against evil energies I

have plenty of good winds!

You think I'm afraid of

this little wind soldier?

Come, Sancho!

Let's turn this knight

into a cloud of smoke!

Cloud of smoke

makes me laugh, ha ha! I mean

burst out laughing!

[Sgt. Shorty laughs loudly]

[Sgt. Shorty laughs loudly]

What a fine mustache, Sancho!

Thanks, grandpa

- Fine mustache indeed.

- Shall we blow?

[Fran and Jos blow forcefully]

That breeze didn't even tickle...

[Fran and Jos blow forcefully]

This one seemed stronger!

I think I'll call Rambo.

My dragon will come spitting fire

and will devour you all!

[Sgt. Shorty whistles]

Rambo!

[Rambo barks angrily]

[Swoosh]

[tense music playing]

[Fran breathes heavily]

[light suspenseful music

playing] [Jos snores]

[playful, sneaky music]

[playful, sneaky music]

[playful, sneaky music returns]

[playful, sneaky music continues]

[playful, sneaky music continues]

[Radio announcer] Bill Gomes Show!

Credibility controversy and reporting

with the greatest investigative

journalist in the city

[Bill Gomes] While everyone

sleeps their sweet little naps

hugged with their stuffed animals

yes, really stuffed ones

very fluffy and smelling of fabric softener

the criminal

the criminal

broke into the house and sneakily

opened the jar of coconut cookies

yes, he was hungry...

[playful, sneaky music]

[object falls on gravel]

[playful, sneaky music continues]

[footsteps on gravel]

[suspenseful drone]

[body dragging on leaves]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[sudden scare sound]

[Hand, beeps and whirs]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[ominous drone] [sign

reads: Beware of dog]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[wire sound]

[mouse squeaks]

[metal clang]

[ominous drone]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[object falls on gravel]

[object falls on gravel]

[swoosh]

[adventurous music]

[feet stomp on dirt as they fall]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[dramatic hit]

[dramatic hit]

[feet on gravel]

[mechanical button pressed]

[jump scare music]

[muffled scream]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[low squeak]

[tense drone] [sign reads: I warned you!]

[suspenseful ambiance]

[suspenseful music intensifies]

[suspenseful music rises]

[playful music] [Rambo pants]

[Rambo slurping loud]

[Rambo pants]

[Fran barks softly]

[Rambo panting]

[Rambo panting continuously]

[playful music continues]

[Rambo slurping loud]

[Rambo panting off-screen]

[Rambo panting continuously]

[Rambo barks loud]

[playful music]

[cookie hits the ground]

[Rambo barks loud]

[Sgt. Shorty off-screen] Rambo!

[Sgt. Shorty off-screen]You're

going to wake up the neighborhood!

[car passing by] [urban ambiance]

[soft guitar background music]

[chair slides]

Good morning!

Good morning!

Bet you didn't sleep well

I slept terribly

I even hit my head on the machine!

[chair slides]

This job is making me exhausted.

Everything's delayed too

It's going to be all right, dear.

Dad, can you take her out today?

She needs to go out

she needs to enjoy the

summer break a bit and

- I don't have time, or patience either.

- Of course I can!

And you'd better fix

that face and that mood.

You know, right?

No junk food and no stupid games.

[footsteps]

[Noemi] Good morning, honey!

[Fran] Good morning, mom.

[Jos] Good morning!

[Jos, off-screen] Wow, you

slept like a rock today, huh Fran?

Honey, hey

[clinking dishes] drink this milk

eat something

because grandpa is taking you out.

Okay, thanks mommy.

Where are we going grandpa?

I don't know yet

it's a surprise!

You don't know

or it's a surprise?

Sharp tongue huh? Just like your mother!

[Fran barks cheekily]

Wow! Such rudeness!

[Fran barks cheekily]

[Jos and Fran barks

together] [guitar music rises]

[military music with whistle and drums]

[military music with

whistle and drums continues]

[cup shatters on floor]

[boot scrapes on gravel]

[playful, suspenseful music]

Coconut cookie

Bandits!

You will not take my treasure!

You won't at all!

[Sgt. Shorty yells] No!

[Sgt. Shorty yells, of-screen echoing] No!

[urban park ambiance]

Grandpa, why do you

make a little hole in the cap?

Ah, my dad used to do that,

said it made it taste better.

It's harder too right?

But it's good, right?

Hum!

Why do dogs live less than us?

Each dog year equals seven human years

so do the math with me

- How old was Toto?

- Twenty!

Uh uh!

One hundred and forty!

One hundred and

forty? Just like you, right?

No, a bit older, come on?

Oh, it's not that dogs live more or less

dogs live with more intensity

love unconditionally

don't have time to waste with nonsense.

Neh neh neh!

In the end it's all the same, man

chicken, cat

dog Got it?

Do you think they know

the story of Don Quixote?

I don't think so... what I do know

is that animals already

live in the enchanted world

If they're so much like us

they should learn to read, right?

Oh my love

we're the ones who are like them.

Look at that man over there!

[playful music, silly muffled voices]

[Jos barks loudly, playfully]

[playful music, silly muffled voices]

[playful music, silly

muffled voices, angry]

[Fran barks loudly, playfully]

Doesn't he look like our neighbor's dog?

[Jos laughing]

[playful music, silly muffled voices]

Look at this lady walking by here!

[Fran howling]

And them?

[playful music, silly muffled voices]

[playful music, Jos

and Fran barks together]

[playful music, Jos

and Fran barks together]

[playful music, Jos and

Fran laughing together]

Deep down we just need someone to love us

someone to hear our barking

someone to tickle our bellies

[Fran laughs loudly]

[playful detective music]

[sparkling chime]

Got you!

That's an exceptionally small finger...

[playful detective music continues]

[radio on]

Over. Is this the police?

[radio off]

[funny muffled voice]

I would like to request two

patrol cars and a helicopter!

[radio off]

[funny muffled voice]

[radio on]

Attempted theft...

Actually I've got the

fingerprint the criminal

left on a cookie.

[radio off]

[funny muffled voice]

[radio on]

What do you mean it's the

thousandth time I've called this month?

I'll call as many times as needed!

Aren't you the police?

[radio off]

[funny muffled voice]

[radio on]

Then I'll call the army in Braslia!

In fact, dad had a lot

of friends in Braslia.

[radio off]

[funny muffled voice]

[radio on]

I'm a friend of the

President of the Republic!

I mean, I consider myself

his friend. I don't know if he

But I do.

[radio off]

[radio static]

[playful detective music]

[chewing cookie]

[radio on]

Over, police

I just ate the evidence...

[radio off]

[playful detective music]

[windy ambiance]

[Noemi crying]

[trunk slams]

Dad! Dad! Let me get down!

Let me get down!

[car engine]

Daddy! Daddy!

[car engine accelerates] Daddy!

[car engine accelerates] Fran, careful!

[tires squeal]

[sad piano song]

She has a fever...

It was the scare

it will pass.

I miss daddy...

I know, honey.

I know.

He was in a hurry

he didn't see you

he wouldn't dare ignore the prettiest girl

in the world!

[Jos hums softly, grinning]

Honey, mommy will be right back. Okay?

[Fran nods, uh-huh]

Try to sleep a little.

Yeah... dad.

Come here, I need to talk with you.

[Jos nods, uh-huh, off-screen]

[door slams]

Dad, everything's wrong!

I also thought it was awful the way he left

without even saying hi to her.

I'm not just talking about that, I'm

I'm talking about everything

everything is wrong.

[urban ambiance with cicadas]

I think it's best you go away,

[sad background music]

I don't understand anything, honey.

I need to take care of my life, dad

but on my own

and I don't want you

stuffing a bunch of nonsense

in Fran's head anymore.

Better to raise worms than snakes!

Worms fertilize, snakes poison...

Enough of this cheap poetry, dad, enough!

You keep stuffing all these fantasies

in the girl's head.

None of that is real!

It's not fantasy, honey.

It's spirituality

courage!

Courage?

A bunch of nonsense, silly games.

I don't know where you get

this whole sweet grandpa thing from

because I know very well that you

have messed up a lot in your life.

And you're no saint either

you're the irresponsible one

who almost let the girl

die out there in the street.

That's who you are, Jos, right?

You have no right to talk to me like that!

I wasn't the one who abandoned a family

found another and left

without even looking back.

[sad background music]

Get out of here!

Honey...

[door slam]

[sad background music rises]

[Rambo barks]

[Rambo barks]

[Rambo barks]

[playful sneaky song]

[playful sneaky song continues]

I'm not afraid of you, Mr. Dragon!

[playful sneaky song

continues] [Rambo pants]

[playful sneaky song continues]

[playful finger squeak]

Everyone just wants a head scratch...

[playful sneaky song continues]

Rambo, want to hear a story?

But I have to tell it in Portuguese

because I don't really know

how to speak your language, okay?

It goes like this, grandpa is a

Don Quixote from Americana

I'm Sancho without the 'Panza'

you're the dragon

and your daddy is the

evil man in the castle!

[uplifting music]

You looked beautiful

with the scarecrow wig!

But I better go back

mom wakes up early.

[bar ambiance, radio playing in background]

You know what I think

about all this, right Jos?

[Jos nods, uh-huh]

You're going to say it anyway, right?

Well, if you want, I won't say it.

[Jos laughs, gently]

No, it's okay

go ahead

I'm ready.

You know

that victim outfit

- It doesn't suit you, friend "Rascal".

- Whoa!

It's been about

thirty years since anyone

called me that, "Rascal".

[Jos and Benedito, laughing]

And from what I see

you're still the same

"Rascal" as always, agree?

I don't know,

and are you still the same Benedito?

Of course I am!

Yeah... a little older, right?

But that boy is still in here, alive!

Always remembering the dumb stuff he did.

Did! In the past!

Time forgives...

It forgives, but doesn't forget.

But what about you, huh?

[Benedito chuckles]

You always found a way

to cover your mistakes,

your fears to seem stronger.

But tell me, Jos

who was stronger in

this story: You or Rosa?

[soft, heartfelt piano music]

You're right...

Noemi doesn't need your protection

she needs your support!

They're two very different things.

I just want her to be free

but you can't

force a bird to fly if its wing is broken

[Jos chuckles]

Yeah...

Maybe I haven't changed that much after all

You know what hasn't changed either?

The beating I'm going

to give you in truco now!

We'll see about that!

Remember how to play?

- Feeling bold today...

- Come on, let's go!

Let's see about that, huh?

Best of three - It's

looking bad for you, huh!

- Here to start, look...

- Check it out, I'm telling you

- Truco, old man!

- Six!

[90s upbeat reggae music]

Nine!

Twelve!

[90s upbeat reggae music continues]

[90s upbeat reggae

music fading in transition]

Mommy

[Noemi hums, off-screen]

Why did grandpa go away?

He went to take care of his things.

And daddy, why doesn't

he come to see me anymore?

When he misses you, he will come!

And doesn't he care that I miss him?

Honey, I think

missing someone

is something that's just ours, you know?

Sometimes

it hurts

makes us sad

but it's also a very beautiful feeling

it's like a tribute

we pay to someone we care about.

- Right?

- Like love?

[Noemi chuckles]

Yeah, honey

just like love.

Mommy...

[inspiring guitar music]

I love you so much!

[inspiring guitar music, fading]

[footsteps on gravel]

[playful military music

with bugle and drums]

[sharp whistle]

[playful military music with

bugle and drums, continues]

[spitting]

Damn it, Rambo!

[slow, comical military march]

[slow, comical military march, continues]

[tape measure clicks]

This criminal has very tiny feet

[tape measure retracting]

[slow, comical military march]

And very delicate little hands

[spirited military march]

[heartfelt accordion music]

[heartfelt accordion

music] [car door opens]

[car door closes]

[car engine starts]

[heartfelt accordion music]

[car engine revs and drives off]

[heartfelt accordion music,

fading] [garden ambiance with birds]

[foot crushing leaves] Ow!

[foot crushing leaves] Ow!

[Noemi and Sgt. Shorty scream together]

[playful music] What are you

doing in my yard, you lunatic?

- Investigating!

- You're completely crazy!

- I'm calling the police now!

- I already called!

They refused to come

there are criminals

visiting my yard every day

and the evidence shows he visited yours too

certainly they're after my treasure

and they're using your

residence as a hideout

because of a tactical

advantage of the slope

and you're a separated

woman, you know how it is...

Get out of here!

I'm just warning you

we're living through a terrible crime wave

they said it on Bill Gomes's show!

[playful music] [Noemi hums menacingly]

[comical slip sound]

[playful music, continues]

[Sgt. Shorty yelps in pain

after jumping over the wall]

[Noemi sighs exasperatedly]

[night ambiance with crickets,

soft guitar music in background]

[melancholic harmonica music]

It's common for the power

of love to throw souls off track

using as its instrument

careless indolence

[book closes]

[melancholic harmonica music and crickets]

[melancholic harmonica

music and crickets, continues]

[sad piano music with footsteps]

[sad piano music]

[sad piano music, birds]

I'm here

unarmed

and I miss you so much...

[sad harmonica music]

[Jos plays a sad harmonica music]

[Jos plays a sad

harmonica music and cries]

[Jos cries]

[singing in Portuguese, about angels]

[singing in Portuguese,

about angels, continues]

[singing in Portuguese,

about angels, continues]

[singing in Portuguese,

about angels, fading]

[old phone dialing]

Hello

it's me.

I really need to talk to you.

[Fran makes playful fight noises]

[Rambo barks loud]

[adventurous, decisive music plays]

Oh yeah?

That's good

I'm very glad

[mischievous adventure music]

Hum...

[mischievous adventure music continues]

I was adding things up, you know?

Incredible how I didn't see it before!

It must have been really hard

for you to hide it for so long.

[Fran barks softly]

[Rambo pants]

[Rambo barks softly]

Alright Rambo, deal!

[suspenseful sound rises]

[Rambo pants] [mischievous adventure music]

[room ambiance]

You know what

no...

I don't want anything

I don't want anything that comes from you

and when you miss your daughter

you'll have to ask her if she also

misses you

even you being the most

cowardly man in the world

if she wants

I won't stop her

after all, you are free

no

You are free

bye!

[phone slammed down]

[Noemi breathes heavily]

[mischievous adventure music]

[mischievous adventure music]

[suspenseful sound rises]

[gently tense drone sound]

[funny suspenseful tune]

All good there, Rambo?

[Rambo barks loud]

[Rambo pants heavily]

[playful cartoon sound as Rambo nods]

You take care of the outside

and I'll take care of inside!

I have a strong arm and a helping hand

[hand beeps and clatters]

[hand beeps and clatters]

Thanks for the apple!

[loud crunch]

[cartoonish music]

It's a potato!

All good here, troops?

[robotic beep]

Doors and windows

checked!

[mechanical clank as door locks]

Hand! My hair's all messy!

[hand beeps]

[light suspense music]

[radio music playing in the background]

[doorbell rings]

Good thing my fortress is safe

[door closes]

[metal door creaks as it closes]

[metal door latch clicks]

Imagine if someone broke into my castle

if I left a crack in the door open

and someone invaded my fortress

Bill Gomes's show said it's dangerous here

[news intro music playing] The criminal!

Broke into a castle

sneakily with cotton slippers!

I could be a good reporter,

I have the voice for it

I've got the height too.

Good evening, on the show "There and Then",

the criminal

the criminal

the criminal!

[news intro music playing]

[sneaky suspense music]

[metal handle clicks open]

[soft, sweet music] [metal

gate squeaks while opening]

You are beautiful and powerful

[soft, sweet music continues]

Just like your mom!

[soft, sweet music continues]

I missed you so much.

Silly girl

I left here just two days ago!

Hmm... missing time is different, dad!

[soft, sweet music continues]

I came to take you to dinner

- French fries!

- Wow!

- Let's call Fran.

- Let's!

[metal gate closes]

[lighthearted stealthy suspense music]

[lighthearted stealthy

suspense music rises]

[inspiring, gentle music]

You are my greatest treasures!

And I swear no one will

ever take you from me!

Got it?

[inspiring, gentle music rising]

[inspiring, gentle music rising]

[cheerful, playful tune]

No need to thank me

I do it out of love!

[Sgt. Shorty whimpers, emotional]

Now let's do the workout!

[cheerful, playful tune]

One...

Two...

Three...

Getting ripped!

Four...

[tension builds and explodes]

[mischievous music]

False alarm!

We continue the workout!

Eight...

Twelve...

[mischievous music]

[mischievous music, tension building]

Thirty-two... that's it!

Ripped! Thirty-nine...

[mischievous music]

Fifty-two...

Fifty-four...

Fifty-nine...

Sixty-eight...

[sheet rustles as it's pulled]

[light tension music]

Dad, where is she?

She must've gone to the garden...

[sneaky, mischievous music]

[sneaky, mischievous

music] [tension building]

[jingle of many keys]

Fran! Fran!

Fran, where are you?

Fran! Honey!

Grandpa's here!

Honey, come here! We're

having French fries for dinner!

[Sgt. Shorty breathes

heavily, upbeat workout music]

[sneaky, mischievous music]

[jingle of many keys, Rambo panting loud]

[jingle of many keys]

[Sgt. Shorty breathes

heavily, upbeat workout music]

[sneaky, mischievous music]Dad, what

if someone came in and kidnapped her?

They did mention it on the radio

on Bill Gomes's show!

How did I let this happen?

Where was my head?

I think I know where Fran went...

[jingle of many keys, Rambo

panting loud] [suspense music builds]

[keychain hits the floor]

[Sgt. Shorty stops panting,

exercise music continues]

Bandits!

[loud alarm siren]

[loud alarm siren]

[loud alarm siren]

[padlock clicks open]

[loud alarm siren]

Watch out for the scarecrow...

[loud alarm siren continues]

[high-pitched whistle blows]

[loud alarm siren continues]

Halt, criminal! Halt!

[voice amplified through

megaphone] I place you under arrest

in the name of the law!

[annoying distorted sound]

[annoying distorted sound]

[loud alarm siren continues]

[annoying distorted sound]

[object hits the ground]

[loud alarm siren continues]

Mom, turn off that light now!

[Hand beeping]

[loud alarm siren stops]

Ah!

[sneaky music]

So that explains it, little thief!

The little hand...

The little foot...

The little fingers, right?

[cartoonish finger squeaks]

[cartoonish finger squeaks]

Even you

even you, Rambus!

How dare you betray me like this?

Sorry sir Sergeant Shorty

I just wanted to let Rambo loose

he doesn't like living locked up!

[tension building]

Sergeant Shorty

Yes! Sergeant Shorty, sir!

[suspense tone]

You broke into my house

you tiny

you tiny... criminal, right?

Yes, I just wanted to grab the key!

[Sgt. Shorty shushes]

I know what you wanted

you and all the kids are after my treasure

but you won't get it

you micro

you micro ninja!

[funny martial arts noises]

[funny martial arts noises continues]

[funny martial arts noises end abruptly]

[crickets]

I don't play little soldier games!

Ugh!

[Sgt. Shorty gasps

ahhhh, realizing something]

I knew it!

I knew it! I knew it!

What? No?

No, silly toy!

And what do you play?

- Don Quixote and Sancho without Panza!

- I don't get it!

[medieval song] It's a really big knight

very old, one hundred and forty years old

and his friend is nine

they travel around

looking for adventures and facing dragons

like Rambo! You're the

villain and the evil princess

who is my mom!

[medieval song]

I don't care about any of that

I'm calling the police

no no better, I'm calling

I'll call the army

they're gonna come arrest you

and I'll hold you

until they get here! Got

it, little girl? Come here!

[military drums build tension]

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[clock ticking]

[loud beep]

[dance music starts]

Oh no

not the hand!

[Hand beeping]

[button pressing]

[off-screen, jet plane engine roaring]

[jet plane engine roaring]

[jet plane flying by]

[button pressing]

[jet plane flying by]

[off-screen, jet plane engine roaring]

[button pressed with a beep]

[off-screen, jet plane engine roaring]

[jet plane flying by]

[expl*si*n with watery pop]

[water splash]

[dance music continues]

[beep and clang]

[confetti pop]

[beep and clang]

[chicken clucking]

[chicken clucking, flour sprays]

[beep and clang]

[metallic confetti pops]

[dance music continues]

[funny mouth sounds]

[rubber squeak]

[funny mouth sounds]

[metallic confetti pops]

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[marble clinks in metal cup]

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[marbles hitting the floor]

[funny slipping noise]

[hits the ground]

[dance music continues]

[button clicks]

[loud rustle]

[dance music continues]

[dance music stops]

[swoosh]

[dance music returns]

[mouse squeaks]

[metal clang]

[mouse squeaks]

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[egg cracks on head]

[dance music continues]

[Fran laughs]

[dance music continues]

Please, stop that dance music

you'll wake the neighborhood.

[dance music fades]

[swoosh]

Girl, you're going to pay me for this

and it's now!

[Sgt. Shorty yells loudly] No!

[Sgt. Shorty yells loudly, off-screen] No!

Can I ask you something?

[Sgt. Shorty stops screaming abruptly]

You're going to ask anyway, right?

Go ahead...

[emotional music] Why do you

like your little soldiers so much?

Because it was a gift from my father.

Ah...

And he died.

- Did you plant him under the tree?

- What?

[emotional music rises]

[emotional music reaches a crescendo]

You don't need to be afraid of losing

your little soldiers

nobody wants to play with them!

No?

No! And even if someday

someone takes them from you

they'll always live in your heart

and then you'll feel longing

and longing hurts

but it's as beautiful as love!

That's beautiful, girl.

[inspirational, emotional music]

And it's also not fair for

you to keep Rambo tied up

he's not even mean

look at him!

[Fran barks]

[Rambo barks]

[Fran Barks]

[Rambo barks]

What did he tell you?

He doesn't want to live chained anymore!

[Rambo panting]

[suspenseful music builds]

[suspenseful music builds]

Alright...

You can keep the dog

he'll be happy with you

[light, uplifting music] and

I'll figure out house security

- Really?

- Yes.

But there's one condition!

You'll promise me

that you'll never sneak into my yard again!

Okay, and you'll promise not to sneak into

mine

Alright...

But I need to ask my mom!

She's right there, looking at you.

[light, uplifting music] [Rambo panting]

[cartoonish finger squeaks]

[cartoonish finger squeaks]

[light, uplifting music] [Rambo barks]

[Rambo barks]

[bicycle wheels turning]

[Rambo barks, playing]

[Rambo barks, playing] [metal clang]

[Rambo barks, playing]

Enough with the rough and tumble!

Stop it!

[park ambiance]

[uplifting music]

Come on Rambo

[Rambo panting]

Is that all Don Quixote and

Sancho without Panza can do?

Excuse us but right now we're training

for much greater battles

my dear evil princess!

[Rambo panting]

I see you, okay?

Shameless!

Sancho

let's show her

that we're not just about fighting?

Let's!

[Fran barks]

What did you say to Rambo, honey?

To wait here with you, mommy

but now we'll test your courage even more

Dear Sancho without Panza!

What do you mean?

Beating me on the street is too easy

I want to see you beat me

climbing those stairs!

Hmm

Whoever gets there first gets ice cream

ah even better

French fries!

A plate of French fries

with a side of French fries

seems like a fair prize to me!

Ready?

- Yes!

- Shall we?

One...

Three, two, one...

Three, two, one, go!

[uplifting, inspirational music]

Oh no, my horse stalled again!

Oh don't be unfair!

[Fran chuckles off-screen]

- Come on, grandpa!

- What an unfair world!

Don't do this to me, man!

This horse is like a

a "tuddle"!

"Tuddle"?

A turtle!! [With echo]

[Fran chuckles]

Go on without me, sweetheart [with echo]

[Jos, off-screen, with echo] Courage!

[Jos, off-screen, with echo] Courage!

[emotional, inspirational music]

Whether I can talk to dogs or not

remains in your imagination.

But what really matters

is knowing there are many ways

to show love

and longing

[emotional, inspirational music]

We just need

to have courage

and speak

because God understands every language!

Today

Don Quixote

Uncle Benedito

Tot and Rambo

are off adventuring in other wind castles

but I'll never be alone

because they are here

in my heart

[emotional, inspirational music]

[long clap]

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[Hand beeps]

[clap continues]

[emotional, inspirational music]

[Fran barks, as she cries]

[emotional, inspirational music ends]

[end credits song]

[playful detective music]

[fingers drumming on table]

[hand banging on table, with echo]

Where were you on December 3rd, 1993?

Speak!

Or else

I'll have to call

- the hand!

- No

not the hand!

[fingers drumming on table]

You broke into my house

you... you

tiny criminal!

I spotted a lizard in your yard

and lizards are miniature

crocodiles, they lay eggs

and when they hatch they can eat your flesh

they're extremely dangerous

so I went over to protect you and your mom!

Uh-huh, sure...

You like my mom, don't you?

I think we better change the subject!

Whatever. Hand, milk!

[Hand clicks and beeps]

[playful detective music]

[end credits song]