Dona Flor’s passionate yet irresponsible husband Vadinho drops dead while dancing in the streets. Seeking a stable life, the widowed Dona remarries a respectable pharmacist shortly after. However, when her new love life turns out to be less than satisfying, the ghost of her late husband returns.

Made during Brazil’s military dictatorship, Bruno Barreto’s magic realist feature is sensual and darkly comedic, propelling Sônia Braga from soap star to national deity. For a deep dive into the film’s legacy, this liberating tale of female desire is explored in episode 3 of the MUBI Podcast.