A CASA DAS SETE MULHERES (The House of the Seven Women) is a mini-series loosely based on a part of Brazilian history (the Farroupilha War) and some very dynamic historical characters.
The Farroupilha War began when the Gaúchos, people who lived in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil wanted independence from the Portugal Empire. They were unhappy with the Portuguese rule (Imperials) and started a revolt that lasted ten years, from 1835 to 1845.
The name of the civil war comes from the Portuguese word "Farrapos" which means, ragged or tattered clothing. With the exception of their leaders, who were wealthy land owners, the rebels (lower-class people, slaves, free blacks, and Indians) were poorly dressed, poorly fed and in poor health.
The historical figures in this mini series include the following: Bento Gonçalves da Silva (Werner Schünemann) - leader of the rebels, Giuseppe Garibaldi (Thiago Lacerda) - an Italian adventurer and revolutionary, Ana Maria de Jesus Ribeiro better known as Anita Garibaldi (Giovanna Antonelli) - a revolutionary and abolitionist, and Manuela Ferreira (Camelia Morgado) - the narrator of the story.
Against the background of this war, the story introduces the viewers to seven women (all related to Bento Gonçalves) - Dona Ana Joaquina (eldest sister of Bento Gonçalves), Caetana (wife of Bento Gonçalves), Perpétua (Caetana's daughter), Maria (sister of Bento Gonçalves), Manuela, Rosario, and Mariana (Maria's daughters). Dona Antônia (Jandira Martini), another sister of Bento Gonçalves, is not officially considered part of the "Sete Mulheres" (Seven Women) group but deserves a special mention.
While the men are away fighting, the women move into one house (Dona Ana Joaquina's house) on a ranch for safety reasons. Each woman has a different personality and absorbing storyline of love, grief, courage, desire, hate, despair, hope, bitterness, and determination.
A CASA DAS SETE MULHERES (The House of the Seven Women) presents a splendid story. Directed by Jayme Monjardim, it follows his other successful works like "Terra Nostra" and "O Clone." The actors give a strong performance. The scenery of the southern part of Brazil is breathtaking. The music, directed by Marcus Viana, is moving.
The action, drama, and romance will keep you glued to your T.V.
